Embassy clarifies figure of jailed Pakistanis in Turkey

ISLAMABAD, Mar 8 (APP):The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara Friday clarified reports published in some sections of press regarding the number of jailed Pakistanis in Turkey saying the figure mentioned in the media report was incorrect.
It may be mentioned here that some reports recently appeared in Pakistani media mentioning that steps were being taken to bring back over 50,000 Pakistanis in Turkish jails, said a message received here.
The embassy clarified that till March 2019, the total number Pakistanis detained in Turkish jails were 205. Some of them have been convicted and sentenced while others are under trial.
The embassy, however said, “Around 2,500 Pakistanis are in detention centres in various cities of Turkey. This figure keeps on varying according to the number of Pakistanis entering Turkey illegally.” It said that most of the Pakistanis were caught while entering or leaving Turkish borders illegally.
“Our consular teams regularly visit detention centres to observe the living conditions of the detainees. Their repatriation to Pakistan is arranged after determination of their national status,” it said.