Ministry denies that Saudi Arabia fails to help Pakistani prisoners

ISLAMABAD: Media reports that prison authorities in Saudi Arabia are not helping to address issues affecting Pakistani inmates are not true, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
Spokesman Mohammad Faisal said officials in the Kingdom have always extended full cooperation in matters involving detained Pakistani citizens and prisoners, and that the countries enjoy close and cordial relations.
“The rights of all prisoners are secured and the government of Saudi Arabia ensures the facilitation of inmates as per international law regarding living facilities, quality food, consular assistance and presence in court on dates of hearings,” said Faisal.
He added that the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah work with Saudi authorities to provide consular access to detainees, check on their welfare and offer all possible assistance.
In addition, said Faisal, Saudi authorities share information on detainees and help Pakistani mission staff arrange “visits to deportation centers to issue emergency travel documents to those who do not possess passports for traveling to Pakistan.”
He added that clemency requests from the relatives of prisoners are forwarded to the Royal Court, and assistance is given to arrange the departure of those awaiting deportation.
In addition, diplomatic staff visit “courts and meet with authorities to expedite cases and arrange the repatriation of prisoners who have completed their sentences.”