Civilians should educate themselves regarding the laws of the countries they travel to and abide by them
TURBAT: Approximately 2,400 Pakistanis are languishing in UAE’s jails. They have been convicted of both minor and major offences, including smuggling narcotics, prohibited medicines, theft, and murder. According to the figures shared by the UAE in November last year, there were almost 2,800 Pakistanis in prisons there. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Zulfi Bukhari, made an announcement in March 2019. According to the statement, the government was in talks with the Emirati authorities for release of prisoners that had been convicted of minor offences. The negotiations had also expanded to other Arab countries.
The effort was much needed as these countries would only look into the matter if our own government would actively campaign for it. This can be seen from the example of Saudi Arabia, where the Crown Prince obliged the PM’s request by ordering the release of 2,100 Pakistani prisoners.
Moreover, as much as government intervention is necessary in this matter, civilians should also educate themselves regarding the laws of the countries they travel to and abide by them.
Ayesha Peeral
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2019.
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