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UAE Demands $3.5B from Pakistan Amid Iran War Tensions

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United Arab Emirates demanded repayment of a US$3.5 billion deposit from Pakistan's central bank, about 21% of Pakistan's reserves, days before a ceasefire in the Iran war.
Pakistan's foreign ministry dismissed the withdrawal as routine, while Emirati social media questioned Islamabad's loyalty amid security threats.
Analysts say the backlash against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif likely had government approval, citing UAE restrictions on allied criticism and social-media control.

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Story summary

The United Arab Emirates demanded repayment of a US$3.5 billion deposit from Pakistan's central bank, about 21% of Pakistan's reserves, days before a ceasefire in the Iran war.
Pakistan's foreign ministry dismissed the withdrawal as routine, while Emirati social media questioned Islamabad's loyalty amid security threats.
Analysts say the backlash against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif likely had government approval, citing UAE restrictions on allied criticism and social-media control.