Pakistani MP cries foul as UAE hotel says only Indians, Americans allowed after flight cancellation
Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has alleged that he, along with several other Pakistani fliers, were denied accommodation at a UAE hotel after their flights were cancelled
Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has alleged that he and other Pakistani travelers were denied hotel accommodation in the UAE following flight cancellations, with the hotel reportedly prioritizing Indian and American passport holders. Qaiser, a member of Imran Khan's party, expressed dismay at this treatment, especially given the "brotherly" ties between the two nations, and has called for diplomatic intervention to address the issue and mend strained relations.
Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has alleged that he and other Pakistani travelers were denied hotel accommodation in the UAE following flight cancellations, with the hotel reportedly prioritizing Indian and American passport holders. Qaiser, a member of Imran Khan's party, expressed dismay at this treatment, especially given the "brotherly" ties between the two nations, and has called for diplomatic intervention to address the issue and mend strained relations.
Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has alleged that he and other Pakistani travelers were denied hotel accommodation in the UAE following flight cancellations, with the hotel reportedly prioritizing Indian and American passport holders. Qaiser, a member of Imran Khan's party, expressed dismay at this treatment, especially given the "brotherly" ties between the two nations, and has called for diplomatic intervention to address the issue and mend strained relations.
Pakistani MP Asad Qaiser has alleged that he, along with several other Pakistani fliers, were denied accommodation at a UAE hotel after their flights were cancelled.
Qaiser, who was the former National Assembly Speaker, also claimed that only Indian and American passport holders were allowed to stay at the hotel. The MP belongs to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
"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. An announcement was being made that only passport holders from India and America would be accommodated," he added.
The alleged issue drew attention when Qaiser sought diplomatic intervention. The MP also pointed out that Islamabad has played a positive role in the US-Iran conflict.
Taking to X, the PTI leader said the UAE is Pakistan's brotherly Islamic country and Islamabad wants the relations to further improve, pointing out that Pakistanis played a key role in the Abu Dhabi's development.
"That day, I felt that the treatment given to Pakistan was not appropriate. I believe we have diplomatic channels; they should raise this matter. The Pakistani people respect and love the UAE government. Just now, a delegation came to me saying that the treatment towards us was also not appropriate. I demand the Foreign Office and the Foreign Minister that they discuss this matter with the UAE authorities," he added.
In May, Abu Dhabi took strong action against countries that backed Iran. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed withdrew the Emirati deposit from Pakistan. However, Saudi Arabia soon rushed to compensate for it in order to stabilise Islamabad's economy.
In April, UAE had also asked Islamabad to repay a $3.5 billion loan.
Even before the war, UAE ties with Pakistan have been strained with Abu Dhabi issuing visas only to Pakistanis with blue (government officials) and diplomatic passports in November 2025. This came after large number of beggars and people with incomplete documents tried to gain entry into the UAE and many Pakistanis were "getting involved in criminal activities".