Federal ombudsman summons record of citizens in Greek jails

617 citizens reportedly held at various custody centres

ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of the situation of Pakistan citizens held in Greek prisons, custody centres and police stations, the office of the federal ombudsman has sought the reply of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, Ministry of Human Rights and the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA).

It has also directed the authorities concerned to present by August 20 a report of the steps taken for their release.

The office sought the details after a Pakistani residing in Britain wrote to its commissioner for overseas Pakistanis, Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar, stating that 617 Pakistanis were currently held in prisons, custody centres and police stations in Greece.

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“Of those, 213 do not have any legal representation, while those currently being held include children in a large number, too,” the letter stated.

It added that many Pakistanis were unable to communicate with the authorities due to the language barrier due to lack of adequate translation facilities.

Outside the prison as well there are some Pakistani children – who either do not have a guardian or have their parents in custody – without documentation and, therefore, facing lot of difficulties, it said.

The letter urged the office of the federal ombudsman to address the situation and provide relief to Pakistani citizens facing difficulties in Greece.

The office has written to the ministries concerned and sought details of steps taken for the possible release of those incarcerated in the European country.

Greece is often a transit point for undocumented migrants, including Pakistanis, who cross into it from Turkey as a gateway to Europe.