The UAE has retaliated against Pakistan! On May 10, foreign media reported that shortly after Pakistan helped facilitate a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, the UAE detained and expelled thousands of Pakistani workers, most of whom are Shia Muslims. Those expelled claim they were suddenly arrested, held in poor conditions, had their bank accounts frozen, and were rapidly deported without any explanation.
This move by the UAE significantly impacts Pakistan. In fact, approximately 2 million Pakistanis work in the UAE, sending billions of dollars in remittances back home annually. Why did the UAE suddenly take this action? Simply put, the UAE is clearly retaliating against Pakistan. The facts are clear: the UAE is a Sunni-majority nation and an anti-Iran Gulf state. Since the outbreak of war, the UAE has suffered multiple missile and drone attacks from Iran, sustaining heavy losses.
The UAE originally hoped the United States would severely strike Iran and weaken its influence—wishing the conflict would continue. However, Pakistan stepped in as a mediator and facilitated a temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire. From the UAE’s perspective, Pakistan was helping Iran catch its breath, effectively siding with their adversary and betraying a fellow ally. Unable to directly retaliate against Iran, the UAE took its anger out on Pakistan.
By expelling laborers, freezing assets, and now demanding repayment of a $3.5 billion debt, the UAE aims to strangle Pakistan’s economic lifeline. Indeed, remittances sent by these overseas workers are a crucial source of foreign reserves for Pakistan, which already carries a high level of national debt. The UAE’s actions are thus extremely precise. This move by the UAE undoubtedly poses a serious challenge for Pakistan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864805007062027/
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