‘No need to reset ties’: Pakistan dismisses concerns over UAE relations

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal/News Desk)-Pakistan on Thursday said it remains in close contact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding reports of Pakistani nationals being deported or denied entry, while emphasizing that bilateral relations between the two countries remain strong and stable.

During a weekly media briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson addressed questions regarding the reported deportation of thousands of Pakistanis from the UAE. Referring to remarks made in parliament by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, the spokesperson said the figure being discussed was consistent with information previously shared by the Foreign Office.

“The figure quoted in parliament corresponds to what I had stated earlier. My estimate was around 3,000, so there is not much difference between the two numbers,” the spokesperson said.

He added that Pakistan is actively engaged with UAE authorities on the matter through diplomatic channels and described cooperation between the two countries as “exemplary and good.”

The spokesperson stressed that if any cases of unjustified deportation arise, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions are fully authorized to take up the issue with the UAE government. However, he cautioned against exaggerating the situation, noting that the number of affected individuals should be viewed in the context of the overall size of the Pakistani community living and working in the Gulf state.

“I do not think there is any need to create unnecessary hype around the issue,” he remarked.

Responding to another question about whether Islamabad and Abu Dhabi were attempting to “reset” ties, the spokesperson dismissed the suggestion, saying relations between Pakistan and the UAE remain firmly intact.

“The ties are already set, so why reset them?” he said, reaffirming the longstanding and brotherly relationship between the two countries.

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi

On UAE – related Queries pic.twitter.com/J8XSF8y825

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 22, 2026

The spokesperson also reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of drone attacks previously carried out against Saudi Arabia and the UAE, expressing full solidarity with both Gulf nations.

In addition, he commented on broader regional security concerns, particularly regarding attacks on sensitive infrastructure. He underscored that deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities constitutes a grave violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.

“Nuclear installations must never be targeted under any circumstances,” he said, adding that such actions also violate the principles of nuclear safety and security outlined in the statutes and resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Pakistan has consistently called for dialogue, regional stability, and adherence to international law amid rising tensions in the Middle East.