Over a hundred Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims have reportedly returned to their homes in Chakwal district after being deported from the United Arab Emirates amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran. Many recounted their losses—jobs, personal belongings, and years of savings—without receiving any clear rationale from authorities.
Reports and interviews compiled by Reuters indicate that numerous deported individuals were abruptly detained and placed on flights back to Pakistan alongside other Shi'ite Muslims. Many claim they were prevented from retrieving their possessions or accessing their funds prior to deportation.
A database from the Pakistani Shi'ite political organization Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen recognizes around 7,500 Shi'ites deported from the UAE since February 28. However, the organization believes the actual figure might be significantly higher.
Leaders within Pakistan’s Shi'ite community assert that deportations surged following increased Gulf tensions during the Iran conflict, which saw Iranian missile and drone strikes toward the UAE, sparking security worries across the region.
Conversely, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has dismissed claims linking deportations to religious affiliations, citing the actions were tied to violations of UAE laws. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also commented that current deportation statistics align with standard figures for this year, although it did not provide specific numbers.
An anonymous senior official in the Pakistani government mentioned that Islamabad is currently assessing the situation after welcoming back thousands of deported citizens, predominantly Shi'ite. The official also noted that the government has chosen not to publicly address the issue due to diplomatic considerations.
Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns regarding these incidents. Michael Page, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa division, labeled the claims as "deeply alarming" and confirmed ongoing investigations into the matter.
Boasting one of the largest Shi'ite populations globally, Pakistan is home to around 40 million Shi'ites, forming about 17% of the national demographic. Currently, nearly 1.8 million Pakistanis reside in the UAE, contributing over $6 billion in remittances back to Pakistan annually.
Several deportees shared poignant narratives of their experiences. Technology expert Ali Ahmed Naqvi recounted how his wife was apprehended while changing her work visa and subsequently deported. He mentioned that he, too, was detained at the airport and later deported with 93 other Shi'ite travelers.
From Pakistan's Kurram district, community leaders reported that nearly 1,500 locals have come back from the UAE since the outbreak of conflict, many being the sole providers for extensive families.
Laiq Hussain, who dedicated 20 years to working in Dubai, lamented losing everything in mere moments after deportation. Another former Dubai Metro manager from Chakwal detailed a harrowing encounter where police seized his phones, handcuffed him, and held him for nine days before his return to Pakistan.
Some deportees claimed that UAE authorities interrogated them regarding their earnings, remittances, and potential affiliations with Iran prior to their deportation.
Rights advocates state that the treatment of Shi'ite Muslims in Gulf nations has long been a source of concern, with recent developments indicating a potential worsening of their conditions amid the Iran-related tensions.
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