The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that around 3,500 Pakistanis were deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for violating social media laws during the Iran-US conflict.
Responding to questions during Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was extending all possible assistance to the affected individuals and their families.
He clarified that the UAE's action was part of the enforcement of local regulations and was not specifically directed at Pakistani nationals.
Replying to a question by MNA Samina Khalid Ghurki, the minister said there were no Pakistani prisoners on death row in Spain, Portugal or the United Kingdom, noting that capital punishment had been abolished in those countries.
He said Pakistani diplomatic missions in these countries had established dedicated sections to assist imprisoned nationals by conducting prison visits, addressing their concerns, and providing legal support to those unable to afford lawyers.
Chaudhry further informed the House that under a prisoner transfer agreement with the United Kingdom, nine Pakistani prisoners had been repatriated during 2024 and 2025.
Responding to another question regarding Pakistanis stranded due to incidents involving Somali pirates, he said efforts were underway to secure their release. He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was personally monitoring the matter.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq directed that the issue be given special attention.
On the issue of illegal migration, the minister said undocumented migration had created serious challenges and led to the loss of lives, particularly among those attempting to reach Europe through Libya and some Gulf countries.
He said that on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, action had been taken against officials involved in facilitating illegal migration, resulting in the dismissal of 100 officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Chaudhry said airport screening mechanisms had also been strengthened to combat human smuggling and protect Pakistan's international reputation.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aoun Chaudhry told the House that the number of deportations from the UAE remained relatively small compared to the overall size of the Pakistani community living there.
He also briefed lawmakers on the case of a Pakistani national from Mardan who was allegedly killed in Italy, saying the government had taken notice of the matter and was assisting the victim's family.
Aoun Chaudhry said he had personally met the family and assured them of full government support, including the repatriation of the body and financial assistance. He added that Pakistan's embassy had been directed to pursue the case with the relevant authorities.