Pakistan business leaders allege silent UAE visa ban

Members of Pakistan’s business community claim the United Arab Emirates has imposed a silent visa ban that stops Pakistani businessmen, investors and traders from obtaining visas. The alleged freeze has led to export losses, cancelled business meetings and missed opportunities at international exhibitions, according to statements from Shahid Anwar, former secretary‑general of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Usman Shaukat, president of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, and Ismail Suttar, founder of the Salt Manufacturers Association.

UAE authorities reject the allegation, saying no ban exists and that applications in all visa categories continue to be processed. Pakistani chambers have written to the UAE consulate without receiving a reply, a diplomatic strain that follows a recent downturn in Pakistan‑UAE relations after a defence‑deal dispute.