Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan rejects reports, confirms UAE visa process remains unchanged.
The Foreign Office (FO) has categorically denied claims that the United Arab Emirates has introduced new visa restrictions affecting Pakistani citizens, calling the reports baseless and misleading.
FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during the weekly press briefing, said that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, had personally clarified that no fresh restrictions have been imposed and all visa categories continue to be processed under existing guidelines.
Outdated Information Triggered Rumours
The spokesperson suggested that a parliamentary committee may have reviewed old records, leading to confusion.
He reiterated that the UAE has not implemented any new travel, employment, or visit visa curbs on Pakistani nationals.
Diplomatic Engagements Highlighted
During the briefing, Andrabi also reviewed the week’s diplomatic engagements, including:
- The Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to Bahrain
- A high-level delegation from Iran led by Ali Larijani, who held extensive talks with Pakistani leadership
Position on India and Regional Issues
Andrabi condemned provocative remarks made by India’s Defence Minister regarding Sindh and highlighted a UN experts’ report documenting human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir, including the detention of 2,800 Kashmiris.
He also expressed concern over rising hate-driven attacks against minorities in India.
Gaza Crisis & OPCW Membership
On global developments, Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s deadly strikes in Gaza.
He further announced that Pakistan has been elected as a member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).