NA informed Pakistan’s ties with UAE ‘absolutely fine’

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry has declared that Pakistan’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was “absolutely fine”.

Tallal Chaudhry made the remarks while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday in response to concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the deportation of Pakistanis from the Gulf country.

Several media outlets in recent days have reported that the Gulf country had begun a “large-scale expulsion” of Pakistani workers, particularly Shia workers, signalling a shift in Pakistan-UAE ties. The Interior Ministry has denied the claims.

The minister said “I don’t know why people are intent on building a narrative against a country; that people from there are being deported based on sectarian differences.”

“There is no such thing. The government has categorically denied this. Our ties with the UAE are absolutely fine,” he said and added this month the highest amount of remittances was received from Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE.

“We should not be jumping to conclusions regarding countries,” the state minister said, warning that it could impact “future ties”. However, he asserted that “if there are any complaints, we will address them,” vowing that the government viewed Pakistanis of “all sects and colours” as equal.

Two maritime bills introduced

The National Assembly on Thursday witnessed the introduction of two bills, which are Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2026 and the Sea Carriage Shipping Documents Bill, 2026.

Meanwhile, a report of the Standing Committee on Defence was also laid before the House on the Bill to amend the Pakistan Airports Authority Act, 2023, titled the Pakistan Airports Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

IT exports to cross $4.5 billion

The National Assembly was informed that IT exports are expected to cross 4.5 billion dollars during the current fiscal year. Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima told the House during Question Hour that IT exports have increased by 20 percent. She said the country has doubled its IT exports over the past few years.

The minister also highlighted in detail the measures being taken for human resource development in the IT sector.

Alluding to the recent spectrum auction, the Minister for Information Technology said the 4G service will improve and 5G will be available in the federal capital and the four provincial capitals in the next few months.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the house that the National Disaster Management Authority has installed the most modern system to ensure timely weather forecasting. He said these forecasts are shared with provincial disaster management authorities to help prevent losses caused by extreme weather events.

Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Net Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said Benazir Income Support Programme is providing financial assistance to over 10 million families.

Reporter Rozina Ali