More Pakistanis to be released from Saudi jails in Ramadan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ejaz said that the nation may receive a “good news” in the month of Ramadan as the process of the release of Pakistani prisoners from Saudi jails is under way.

“The Saudi crown prince’s announcement on release of Pakistanis in Saudi jails is under process and in the holy month of Ramazan, we expect some good news regarding this announcement,” the ambassador said while speaking at a “welcome dinner” hosted in his honour in Jeddah which was attended by representatives of the Pakistani community, says an official press release issued in Islamabad.

“Discussion on the transfer of prisoners agreement is in process and once the agreement is signed, the prisoners will be able to complete their sentences in their respective countries,” the ambassador said.

Mr Ejaz termed the visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan in February as “a major success” which kicked off a new era of bilateral ties.

On Feb 21, five Pakistani prisoners, who were jailed in Saudi Arabia, had reached Lahore as the process of release was initiated. .

A royal decree was issued on Feb 19, ordering the release of as many as 2107 Pakistani prisoners languishing in the prisons of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a request by Prime Minister Imran Khan during the former’s two-day visit of Islamabad.