Shair Afzal Marwat Criticizes UAE Treatment of Pakistanis, Calls for Strong Foreign Policy Stance

Islamabad: Shair Afzal Marwat has strongly criticized the treatment of Pakistani nationals in the United Arab Emirates, saying that Pakistan must adopt a bold and independent foreign policy to protect its citizens abroad.

Speaking to the media in Parliament, Marwat said Pakistan should firmly raise its voice at the international level and demand permission to purchase oil from countries such as Iran, similar to other regional states including China, Indonesia, Turkey, and Oman. He added that Russia should also be an option for oil imports, noting that India has received similar concessions in the past. He argued that without such flexibility, inflation in the region cannot be controlled.

امارات میں پاکستانیوں کے ساتھ بہت ہی برا سلوک کیا جا رہا ہے۔ پاکستانیوں کو دس دس دن جیل میں رکھا جاتا ہے اور ان کی بے توقیری کی جارہی ہے۔ امارات اتنی دشمنی پر کیوں اتر آیا ہے؟ کل ائرپورٹ پر میرے ساتھ بہت سے لوگ ملے جو یہی کہہ رہے تھے کہ ان کے ساتھ بھی ظلم ہوا ہے۔ ہماری وزارتِ… pic.twitter.com/7kZwVQnaB4

— Sher Afzal Khan Marwat (@sherafzalmarwat) May 14, 2026

Marwat further alleged that Pakistani citizens in the UAE are being treated unfairly, claiming that many are detained for 10 days or more and subjected to disrespectful treatment. He questioned why the UAE was acting in a hostile manner and criticized Pakistan’s Foreign Office for its response.

He said that some expatriates returning through airports had shared similar complaints about mistreatment. “Pakistanis are citizens of a sovereign country and should not be treated like animals,” he remarked, adding that diplomatic engagement should involve standing firm and responding with dignity.

Responding to a question regarding his party’s political strategy, Marwat said the decision to give the government a one-week deadline regarding the hospitalization of PTI founder Imran Khan was a positive step, adding that it remains to be seen how the government responds to it.