ISLAMABAD, July 21 (APP): Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri Wednesday said with 62 out of 85 Pakistani prisoners already repatriated from Saudi Arabia upon waiver of their sentences, the remaining 23 will also be brought back soon.
“As directed by the Prime Minister, we have so far repatriated 62 individuals out of total 85, so that they could celebrate Eid with their families in Pakistan. Remaining 23 will be repatriated as soon as their exit visa process is completed”, he said in response to media queries on the subject.
The Spokesperson giving details said that “In line with the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh had been in contact with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to coordinate early release and repatriation of those Pakistani nationals who are serving their sentences abroad for minor offences.”
Upon Pakistan’s request, a high-powered committee of Saudi authorities carried out a detailed review of Pakistanis imprisoned in Riyadh region and waived off sentences of 85 individuals, he added.
The Spokesperson said that upon waiver of sentences, the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh closely liaised with the relevant Saudi authorities to secure exit visas of these released individuals.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh was in process of coordinating similar repatriation from other regions of Saudi Arabia as well, he added.
“We are grateful to His Majesty, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for facilitating the Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia”, the Spokesperson concluded.
