More than 20,000 Pakistani nationals have been deported from Gulf countries in recent months, with most expulsions reported from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing security concerns and other reasons, according to official data presented before Pakistan’s National Assembly.

The data from the Ministry of Narcotics Control showed that the Pakistanis were deported between March 1 and July 13 from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

According to PTI, several Pakistani nationals were also detained or deported for filming, recording or uploading videos and other material related to Iranian attacks in their cities amid the ongoing Iran-US conflict.

The figures were presented in the National Assembly on Thursday, highlighting a growing number of deportations of Pakistani nationals from Gulf states during the period.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounted for the largest share of the deportations, according to the official data. Authorities cited multiple grounds for the expulsions, including security-related concerns.

The deportations come amid heightened regional tensions following the escalation of the conflict involving Iran and the United States, raising concerns among Gulf countries over security, public order and the circulation of sensitive material online.

The Gulf states host millions of Pakistani expatriate workers, making the issue of deportations particularly significant for Pakistan, where overseas employment and remittances from Gulf countries are an important part of the economy.

BOB Post