63 prisoners released by Saudi Arabia arrive

ISLAMABAD: A joyous atmosphere was witnessed at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA) when 63 Pakistani prisoners, recently released by Saudi Arabia, arrived here on Tuesday, just a day before the Eid-ul-Azha.Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Managing Director Dr Amer Sheikh received the freed persons at the airport along with senior officials of the organization and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD). The arrival lobby of the airport echoed with ''Pakistan Zindabad'' slogans chanted by the released prisoners, expressing gratitude to the government for their remarkable efforts in that regard.

According to the OPF spokesman, the prison sentence of 63 Pakistani prisoners, who were detained on minor drug-related cases in Riyadh, was waived off by Saudi authorities on the orders of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and due to persistent efforts of the Pakistan Mission, Riyadh, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and OPHRD. He mentioned the arrangements made by the OPF and other relevant departments for facilitating the prisoners’ return to their hometowns so that they could celebrate Eid with their families.

Top priority was being accorded to overseas Pakistanis in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said, adding that all possible efforts are being made to provide maximum facilities to expatriates and their dependents.

He termed Pakistani expatriates the roaming ambassadors and an asset of the country. He said the OPF is providing services for overseas Pakistanis and their dependents in different walks of life, besides making sure swift resolution of their issues and problems.