Pakistan takes practical step for repatriation of prisoners from Saudi Arabia
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ISLAMABAD - Ministry of overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has started finalizing the modalities to repatriate as many as 2107 Pakistani prisoners to be released from Saudi jails after an announcement made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his recent visit to the country. In this regard, the ministry has directed its attached departments and Community Welfare Attaches (CWAs) posted in Riyadh to compile the data of prisoners so that their early repatriation could be materialized, the official sources told APP on Tuesday. They said the arrangements for their return would be finalized after collecting the complete data of imprisoned persons, saying that the information would be shared with the media, accordingly. To a query, they said the both the governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would facilitate their safe repatriation to the country. They said, the Overseas Pakistani Foundation is mandated to facilitate a repatriated prisoner once he landed on the airport of the country, adding that the OPF was also being taken on board to ensure their safe return to their homes. Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) - the national flag carrier- has also offered its services to bring back Pakistani prisoners who are being released by Saudi Arabia on a special request of Prime Minister Imran Khan. PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's order of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Saudi jails, said the airline's administration is waiting for the further direction in this regard. "PIA is ready to offer its services to bring back its fellow Pakistanis," he added. Moreover, the people of Pakistan have hailed the Saudi Crown Prince’s decision and especially, the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for the release of prisoners. “What a great step about release of Pakistani prisoners taken by Saudi Arabia upon special request of Imran Khan,” commented numerous Pakistanis on social media. They further commented that “Pakistan is thankful to Saudi Crown Prince for ordering release of jailed Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia.” Muhammad Aslam Nadeem tweeted, “Pakistan is proudly grateful for kindness and super blessing response of Mohamed bin Salman on his gracious order to release Pakistani imprisoned persons on special request of our Prime
