UAE to release 572 Pakistani prisoners, says FO

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 3,005 prisoners

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will release 572 Pakistani prisoners languishing in their jails under the presidential amnesty scheme, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned as many as 3,005 prisoners serving sentences in the UAE, Foreign Office spokesperson said during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad.

"In order to expedite their release and deportation to Pakistan, our Mission is constantly in touch with the local authorities and is extending all necessary assistance, including issuance of outpasses, passports and air tickets, where required," Dr Mohammad Faisal said.

The Spokesperson’s weekly briefing can be accessed live on the following link:https://t.co/XnRT1K5K7J

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 16, 2019

At present, at least 2,409 Pakistani nationals are serving sentences in eight UAE jails, facing imprisonment in different minor and major crimes said the spokesperson, adding that "soon a good news would be shared regarding the release of Pakistani prisoners from Saudi jails".

Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, during his visit to Pakistan in February, had agreed to release over 2,000 Pakistan prisoners held over minor crimes at the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The federal government in March had stepped up its efforts to set free Pakistanis jailed in the UAE and ministry for overseas Pakistanis constituted a legal team for their assistance.

With additional input from APP