Pakistan repatriates 62 prisoners from Saudi Arabia ahead of Eid al Adha

Pakistan brought 62 prisoners from Saudi Arabia before Eid al Adha, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced on Tuesday, after the government made special arrangements for their return.

“On my instructions, funds were arranged, and a special flight brought back 62 prisoners from KSA today, so they could be back with their families for Eid,” the prime minister said in a tweet.

“Helping Pakistanis in prisons abroad and assisting in their return to Pakistan is my government’s commitment to our people,” PM Imran Khan said.   `

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, lauding the premier, said no other government had shown compassion for overseas Pakistanis like PM Imran Khan.

“The joy of [these] families is due to the prime minister’s efforts. Thousands of Pakistanis who were facing issues abroad have been brought back,” he said.

In May, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and PM Imran Khan had held delegation-level talks to discuss bilateral ties and ways to further strengthen cooperation.

During the meeting, the Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had also signed multiple agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, media, prisoners exchange, and others.

Fawad Chaudhry said Saudi Arabia had already released hundreds of prisoners in line with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s promise, which he had made during his visit back in 2019.

“We are trying to bring back several of our imprisoned people — not involved in serious crimes — and the government is making strenuous efforts in this regard,” he added.