- A flight was cancelled during the US-Iran war, leading to significant travel disruptions.
- Pakistan MP Qaiser alleges that only Indian and American passport holders were allowed at a UAE hotel after the flight cancellation.
- Qaiser raised the issue in the Pakistani parliament, seeking diplomatic intervention and citing a delegation's report of inappropriate treatment.
Asad Qaiser, a Pakistani MP, has raised serious concerns about discriminatory treatment faced by Pakistani travelers in the UAE after their flight was canceled. He reported that hotel staff announced they would only accommodate Indian and American passport holders, leaving many Pakistanis without a place to stay.
"I was travelling myself, and the behaviour shown there was extremely inappropriate. Our flight was cancelled. We wanted to stay in a hotel, but their attitude towards us Pakistanis was not good," Qaiser stated, emphasizing the need for diplomatic intervention.
In parliament, he urged the Pakistani government to address the issue with UAE authorities, highlighting the respect and love Pakistanis have for the UAE government. He noted, "I believe we have diplomatic channels; they should raise this matter."
This incident reflects a broader issue of discrimination faced by Pakistanis abroad, as illustrated by actress Saba Qamar, who recounted a similar experience in 2018 when she was treated differently than her Indian crew upon arrival in Georgia.
The Pakistani passport ranks 102 on the Henley Passport Index 2026, one of the lowest globally, which may contribute to such discriminatory practices against its holders.
“Qaiser told parliament that a delegation reported inappropriate treatment, adding, "The Pakistani people respect and love the UAE government." He urged using diplomatic channels to raise the matter, emphasizing the need for intervention.”
