Pakistani MP alleges UAE hotel allowed only Indians and Americans after flight cancellation during US-Iran war; calls behavior 'extremely inappropriate'

Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has raised concerns over alleged discrimination against Pakistani travelers at a UAE hotel following a flight cancellation during the US-Iran conflict. He reported that an announcement was made stating that only Indian and American passport holders would be accommodated.²

Qaiser described the treatment as 'extremely inappropriate', urging the Pakistani government to engage with Emirati authorities. He recounted his personal experience, stating, “I was traveling myself, and the behavior shown there was extremely inappropriate. Our flight was canceled, we wanted to stay in a hotel, but their attitude toward us Pakistanis was not good.”

The incident occurred on the day of missile and drone strikes during the Iran-US war, although Qaiser did not specify the flight or hotel involved. The Pakistani passport ranks 102 on the Henley Passport Index 2026, highlighting the challenges faced by its holders abroad. This incident echoes sentiments expressed by Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, who has also spoken out about the humiliation faced by Pakistanis when traveling internationally, sharing her own experiences of discrimination.³⁴

Qaiser’s call for diplomatic intervention reflects a growing concern over the treatment of Pakistani citizens abroad, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions.