Talal rejects rumours of tensions with UAE

Chaudhry cautions against developing false narratives

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Thursday that ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates were "absolutely fine" and rubbished speculation over a rift in ties.

He made the statement during a session of the National Assembly while responding to the concerns of the parliamentarians over the alleged deportation of Pakistanis from the Middle Eastern country.

Chaudhry warned against "building false narratives against friendly countries", while dismissing claims that UAE deportations were based on sectarian grounds.

"The government has categorically denied these rumours," he stressed.

Addressing the floor, the minister highlighted that the highest amount of remittances was received from overseas Pakistanis residing in Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE.

"Currently, 1.7 million Pakistanis reside in the UAE 'legally'," he said, adding that these people contributed to the uplift of both the host country and Pakistan.

"We should not draw premature conclusions regarding countries as it can negatively impact our future ties."