Advisory for Pakistanis in UAE: What not to post or share online
Dubai Consulate urges community to avoid rumours and unsafe links
DUBAI – The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai has issued an advisory to the Pakistani community in the United Arab Emirates, urging residents to avoid sharing unverified information or rumours on social media.
The message comes amid heightened regional security developments that have triggered a surge of videos, images and messages circulating online. Authorities have warned that spreading such content without verification could violate local laws and lead to serious legal consequences.
The advisory, issued late on Friday, stressed the need for responsible online behaviour and cautioned expatriates against forwarding or commenting on sensitive material. It also highlighted the growing risk of cyber fraud and hacking attempts that often accompany periods of heightened public attention on security issues.
Social media caution
According to the statement, a large volume of videos, photographs and claims related to the regional situation have been widely shared on various social media platforms in recent days. Officials cautioned that many of these materials may be misleading, inaccurate or deliberately manipulated.
Members of the Pakistani community in the UAE have been urged to refrain from circulating unverified information, rumours or sensitive content. Sharing such material, the advisory warned, could breach local regulations and expose individuals to strict legal action and financial penalties.
The consulate emphasised that residents should carefully consider the legal implications of their online activity. Authorities in the UAE enforce strict laws governing the spread of misinformation, particularly when it concerns security or public order.
Cyber security
The advisory also warned that hackers and cybercriminals may attempt to exploit the situation by circulating malicious links disguised as videos or images related to current events.
Officials noted that such links are often sent through messaging platforms or social media posts and may appear to contain breaking news or exclusive footage. However, clicking on them could compromise personal devices or lead to the hacking of online accounts.
Residents have therefore been urged not to open links, videos or images received from unverified or unknown sources. The consulate stressed that extra vigilance is essential during periods when misinformation spreads rapidly online.
Community support
The Pakistani government has reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of its citizens abroad remain a top priority. In line with this commitment, both the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai have activated dedicated facilitation desks to support members of the community.
These desks are operating around the clock to respond to queries and provide assistance to Pakistani nationals across the UAE. Officials said the teams are monitoring developments and remain prepared to address concerns raised by residents.
Community members have been advised to rely only on official and verified sources for updates. These include announcements from the Pakistan diplomatic missions in the UAE as well as information released through official UAE government channels.
The consulate also called on residents to act responsibly online, remain cautious when encountering unverified information and prioritise personal and community safety.