Pakistan has assured citizens deported or returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that efforts will be made to help them recover any assets or property left behind, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.
Responding to concerns regarding Pakistanis sent back from the UAE, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said affected individuals could contact Pakistani diplomatic missions for assistance.
"Anyone whose assets or property remain in the UAE can contact us. We assure them that their problems will be addressed and adequate support will be provided," he said.
The spokesperson rejected what he described as exaggerated reports regarding the number of affected Pakistanis, saying the figure ranged between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals rather than the much higher estimates circulating in some reports.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan has full confidence in the administrative and judicial institutions of the UAE and believes that legitimate claims regarding private property and assets can be resolved through legal and administrative channels.
"We fully recognise the strength and institutional credibility of the UAE's administrative and judicial system," the spokesperson said.
He expressed confidence that UAE authorities had no intention of withholding private assets belonging to individuals and said there should be no ambiguity regarding the recovery of lawful property.
The Foreign Office said the issue was being treated as a priority by Pakistan's diplomatic missions in the UAE.
Officials noted that Pakistani embassies and consulates have dedicated community welfare sections that are actively engaged in assisting citizens facing legal, administrative and welfare-related issues.
The spokesperson said ambassadors, consul generals and other diplomatic staff were continuously working to facilitate affected Pakistanis and help resolve their concerns through coordination with relevant UAE authorities.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas