ISLAMABAD: At least 8,608 Pakistani prisoners have been released from overseas jails as a result of the efforts made by Prime Minister Imran Khan, since assuming the power.
Two thousand and twenty prisoners were released from Saudi Arabia, three thousand and twenty three from the United Arab Emirates, fifteen hundred from Malaysia, six hundred and sixty eight from Iraq, one hundred and six from Qatar and one hundred and thirteen were released from Kuwait.
Also Read: Pakistani mission discussing release of prisoners with Saudi Arabia: FO spokesperson
Meanwhile, two special airplanes were sent to Malaysia for bringing back Pakistani prisoners.
On Jan 16, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui had said a Pakistani mission in Saudi Arabia was discussing with Saudi Arabian authorities the release of Pakistani prisoners.
“Pakistan is cognizant of its responsibility towards them and its missions abroad are extending fully facilitation and assistance to the prisoners,” Aisha Farooqui had said while responding to a question about Pakistani prisoners languishing in foreign jails, at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad.
She had pointed out that about ten thousand Pakistan nationals were imprisoned in foreign jails and as a result of efforts made by Pakistani authorities, about 4,637 prisoners had been released over the last one year.
“So far 579 prisoners have been released by Saudi Arabian authorities on the clemency announced by the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince. In addition, 1500 Pakistanis have been released by Saudi Arabia under various other clemencies and completion of their sentences,” she had said.