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Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) has said that the country's relations with the United Arab Emirates remain strong and unaffected by any external engagements the Gulf state may have. The statement came amid recent media reports suggesting a shift in ties due to an alleged "large-scale expulsion" of Pakistani workers.

Coverage Comparison

Two separate briefings by Pakistani officials on Thursday addressed the issue. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry spoke on the floor of the National Assembly, while Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi held his weekly press briefing. Both officials denied reports of deportation and emphasized the strength of bilateral relations.

Key Claims

  • Pakistan-UAE relations are 'absolutely fine': Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry made this statement in response to lawmakers' concerns about reported deportations. He dismissed narratives of sectarian-based expulsion, according to Dawn.
  • Interior Ministry denies deportations: The Ministry has categorically denied claims that the UAE is deporting Pakistani workers, particularly Shia workers, as reported by Dawn.
  • Remittances from Saudi Arabia and UAE: Chaudhry noted that for the current month, the highest remittances were received from Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE.
  • Trade volume close to $8 billion: The Foreign Office spokesperson highlighted the trade volume between Pakistan and the UAE, as per Dawn's report.
  • 2.2 million-strong diaspora: Andrabi mentioned the large Pakistani community in the UAE, emphasizing the people-to-people ties.
  • Positive development in India-Pakistan relations: Andrabi welcomed calls in India for dialogue with Pakistan, expressing hope that "warmongering" would fade.
  • China's support for regional peace: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hope that Pakistan can maintain confidence and contribute to restoring regional peace, as noted in the briefing.
  • Emergency exit documents explained: Andrabi attributed the high number of emergency exit documents issued by the Pakistani consulate in the UAE to administrative actions, including immigration status violations, rather than a coordinated expulsion effort.
  • Pakistanis on seized oil tanker safe: The briefing also mentioned that Pakistanis aboard an oil tanker seized by Somali pirates are safe and being provided food.

Perspectives

Pakistani officials are projecting a reassuring tone, emphasizing the strength of bilateral ties and denying any rupture. This appears aimed at calming domestic concerns and countering narratives of mistreatment of Pakistani workers in the Gulf. The emphasis on trade and diaspora numbers underscores the economic significance of the relationship.

The reports of deportations, primarily circulating in some media outlets, suggest a potential strain in ties, possibly linked to regional geopolitical shifts. However, no independent evidence has been presented to support these claims, and Pakistani authorities have categorically denied them, attributing any administrative actions to routine legal compliance.

The FO's mention of India's calls for dialogue and China's supportive statements indicate a broader regional context, where Pakistan is seeking to balance relationships amid changing dynamics. The positive framing of these developments suggests an effort to project stability and diplomatic engagement on multiple fronts.