ISLAMABAD: A local non-profit organization that represents vulnerable Pakistani prisoners facing harsh punishments at home and abroad welcomed the signing of a prisoner transfer agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday, saying it had been striving for the cause for several years.
“Justice Project Pakistan has been advocating for a prisoner transfer agreement for over five years, and we are overjoyed to see that it has finally been signed between the two countries,” Sarah Belal, the organization’s executive director, told Arab News.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the agreement on the transfer of convicted prisoners during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s three-day visit to the kingdom which concluded on Sunday.
Belal congratulated the prime minister, the foreign office and the ministry of overseas Pakistanis for making the agreement a reality.
“This is the continuation of the diplomatic efforts that began in 2019 during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan when he promised to release 2,107 Pakistani prisoners and described himself as ‘Pakistan’s ambassador in Saudi Arabia.’ The two states have since worked closely to help Pakistanis in distress,” she said.
“We now look forward to seeing the text of the agreement and hope a consular protection policy is next,” Belal added.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told a local news channel that 1,100 prisoners in Saudi jails would soon return to Pakistan under the newly signed agreement.
He maintained these Pakistani prisoners had already served a large part of their sentence and the kingdom was prepared for their return to their country.
Meanwhile, families of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia expressed their gratitude to both governments for arriving at the understanding over the issue.
“I cannot express the grief that my mother’s imprisonment has caused us, though we are hopeful now that we will see her soon,” said Muhammad Akram, whose name has been changed to protect his identity.
“I thank Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Imran Khan for giving us that hope,” he added.
Meanwhile, Justice Project Pakistan emphasized in a statement the need for a consular protection policy for all Pakistani living in other countries.
“Such a policy will outline systemic reforms and set minimum guidelines, methods, and modes to help Pakistanis detained abroad,” it said.
The organization added the government’s recent efforts to ensure protection of Pakistani migrants and address their complaints through diplomatic channels was a positive step toward safeguarding their dignity and interests.
