Dubai court lifts travel restrictions on British-Pakistani shipping magnates amid unresolved UK fraud case

A Dubai court on 26 August cancelled a travel ban that had been placed on British-Pakistani businessmen Muhammad Tahir Lakhani and Muhammad Ali Lakhani, who were held liable for deceit and conspiracy in a 2024 London commercial court ruling over a $45 million loan to their firm Astir Maritime. The ban, introduced by UAE authorities in 2025, was lifted after the pair petitioned the court, arguing it prevented them from conducting business and repaying creditors.

Lenders, including pension-fund managers, remain uneasy, fearing the brothers could escape to Pakistan, their country of origin. Although the judgment remains unsettled, the Lakhanis have previously paid $5 million to resolve separate enforcement actions and proposed an AED 15-20 million lump-sum settlement. The case has drawn attention from UK officials; the Home Office declined comment on individual matters, while the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it had not been approached but stood ready to assist. British ambassador Geraldine McCafferty is reportedly aware of the situation, and a DUP MP raised questions about the impact of the UK-UAE Illicit Finance Partnership Agreement on the case.