F.P. Report
LAHORE: The repatriation process of Pakistani prisoners started on Thursday as those freed by Saudi authorities started to arrive in the country.
The move came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman responded to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s request and ordered the release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi prisons during the high-profile visit.
Amid emotional scenes at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, five Pakistani prisoners landed in Lahore from Jeddah. Ecstatic family members lauded the premier’s efforts to bring their loved ones back home.
The released citizens narrated the hardships they had to face and thanked the prime minister and the crown prince for showing graciousness.
“Many Pakistanis are held in Saudi prisons but they will be released and sent back to Pakistan in a day or two once their travel documents are ready,” said the freed prisoners.
Prince Salman was recently in Pakistan on a two-day historic visit. Prime Minister Khan had described the crown prince’s visit as an auspicious moment for Pakistan during an event and stressed that Saudi Arabia had always been a friend in need.
During the visit, the premier had requested the Kingdom to take special care of Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, calling them an important source of foreign exchange while the country had its highest regard for them as citizens.
Responding to his request, Prince Salman had promised to take special care of the Pakistanis working in his country.
