Shehryar Afridi Speaks in Parliament Against Deportation of Pakistani Shias from UAE

PTI MNA Shehryar Afridi Raises Voice in Parliament Against Deportation of Pakistani Shia Muslims from UAE

According to ShiiteNews, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Member of the National Assembly Shehryar Khan Afridi has raised his voice in Parliament against the alleged forced deportation of Pakistani Shia Muslims from the United Arab Emirates.

He stated that the people of Pakistan lovingly refer to UAE leader Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan as “Baba.” Whether in Pashtun households, Parachinar, Balochistan, or any city of Pakistan, pictures of him can be found displayed in homes and gathering places. He added that just like Saudi Arabia, Pakistanis consider the UAE, Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait as their second home.

Read More: Strong Demonstration Against Action on Religious Sites in Islamabad

Afridi further said that Pakistanis from Kohat, Hangu, Parachinar, and across the country send remittances and sacrifice their hard work and sweat for Pakistan, and therefore the treatment being given to them raises serious questions.

Criticizing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he remarked that cricket affairs had already been mishandled and questioned whether the minister had enough time to properly address terrorism-related issues and the concerns of people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said those communities live and die for Pakistan, yet the leadership remains disconnected from ground realities and follows a mindset that undermines democracy and Parliament.

Afridi emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement with the UAE, warning that some elements might be trying to create tensions between Pakistan and the UAE. He added that the real strength of Pakistan lies not only in foreign investment but also in the dignity and welfare of overseas Pakistanis. With inflation soaring and self-respect being hurt, the increasing number of Pakistanis returning from abroad is a major concern.