Pakistan Addresses Visa Issues with UAE, Hunting Permits, and Parliamentary Tensions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that some Pakistani citizens have been found using fake degrees, diplomas, and employment contracts to obtain visas for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a written response regarding reported visa restrictions, the ministry highlighted additional issues, including visa overstays, involvement in political or criminal activities, and misuse of social media by certain individuals.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified that the UAE has not imposed a formal visa ban on Pakistani nationals. However, he acknowledged that increased scrutiny in the visa process has been implemented due to these concerns. Dar also shared that the UAE has introduced a five-year visa policy, requiring applicants to submit a round-trip ticket, hotel booking, proof of property ownership, and an advance payment of 3,000 dirhams.
Dar assured the Assembly that Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and Foreign Office officials in Islamabad are actively engaging with UAE authorities to resolve these issues. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties and addressing the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens.
**Houbara Bustard Hunting Permits**
During the session, Dar also addressed the issue of houbara bustard hunting, stating that it remains a significant aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He revealed that provincial governments have issued 333 hunting permits to foreign nationals over the past decade. While the foreign ministry recommends these permits, the final authority lies with provincial governments, as wildlife management became a provincial subject following the 18th Amendment.
**Parliamentary Tensions**
The session saw heated exchanges between the government and opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). PPP members criticized the absence of Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, questioning the effectiveness of the large cabinet if ministers fail to attend key parliamentary sessions.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attempted to defuse the situation, assuring the House that the energy minister would arrive shortly. However, PPP leaders Syed Naveed Qamar and Abdul Qadir Patel expressed dissatisfaction, with Patel remarking, “Even with such a large cabinet, ministers are still absent.”
JUI-F lawmaker Noor Alam Khan suggested that if the PPP’s concerns, particularly regarding water issues, were being ignored, they should consider joining the opposition. “Come to the opposition, we’ll shake things up together,” he added.
As tensions escalated, Chaudhry admitted that the energy minister had not informed him about responding on his behalf, prompting further criticism from Patel. “This means that despite having such a large cabinet, ministers don’t even communicate with each other,” he said.
The session highlighted ongoing challenges in governance and parliamentary coordination, even as the government works to address critical diplomatic and administrative issues.
