ISLAMABAD: Around 56 Pakistani prisoners who were imprisoned in Sri Lankan jails for several years returned home on Monday, local media reported. Reports said that a total of 56 prisoners, including 51 men, and five women, returned from Sri Lanka on a chartered plane.
One prisoner told the media that they are really thankful to Pakistan’s Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem for bringing them back to their home.
Earlier, in July of this year, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral Ravindra Chandra Srivijay Gunaratne. They agreed to expedite the release of the Pakistani citizens, in a discussion that also involved anti-narcotics and border security matters.
Reports said that three months of communication with Sri Lankan officials ensued, culminating in their arrival on Monday. On the other hand, the Federal Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan announced that he would bear the expenses involved in the repatriation of the prisoners.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan government and its high commissioner for their support and lauded Aleem Khan for funding the prisoners’ return.
Reports said that more than 23,000 Pakistanis are still currently imprisoned abroad, including 15,000 convicts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Reports said that many are imprisoned in UAE while 706 Pakistani prisoners are in India.
