Pakistan blocks passports of 4,700 nationals imprisoned in UAE for criminal offences

The Government of Pakistan has taken a tough stance on its citizens involved in criminal activities abroad, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), by blocking the passports of 4,700 Pakistani nationals currently imprisoned in the UAE.

According to sources within the Ministry of Interior, the decision follows detailed information provided by UAE authorities about 5,292 Pakistani citizens serving prison sentences for various crimes. Among those affected, 2,470 passports belong to individuals convicted of drug-related offences, while 100 passports are linked to cases of fraud, deception, and sexual harassment.

Additionally, 704 passports have been blocked for Pakistanis imprisoned for theft, while 216 passports are related to individuals involved in murder and robbery cases. Another 375 passports have been revoked for Pakistanis residing illegally in the UAE.

In a related development, on November 2, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested 34 Afghan nationals attempting to travel abroad using fake passports obtained from Pakistan. The suspects were apprehended in Peshawar after allegedly entering Pakistan illegally through the Chaman border. The FIA conducted a raid on a hostel in Peshawar, where they arrested two foreign nationals, which led to the discovery of 32 more Afghan nationals who were residing there.