ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that around 3,400 Pakistani prisoners are incarcerated in Saudi jails at present.
To a question by Shamim Ara Panhwar about the number of Pakistanis released from Saudi Arabia’s jails after the visit of Saudi Crown Prince, the foreign minister told the National Assembly in a written reply that our Missions in Saudi Arabia are actively pursuing the release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners as announced during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammad Bin Salman.
The Saudi Crown Prince paid a two-day visit to Pakistan from February 17-18, 2019 at the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. During his visit, complying with the request of Imran Khan, the Saudi Crown Prince ordered the immediate release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners incarcerated in Saudi jails.
However, Pakistani prisoners are still awaiting their release from various jails in Saudi Arabia.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the House that we have requested the Saudi authorities to share the list of Pakistani prisoners who are going to be released.
“The information is awaited,” he said.