Pak prisoners detained in Sri Lanka to be repatriated within 7 days

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has met Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral (R) Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne, a spokesman for the interior ministry said Friday.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and the release of Pakistani prisoners detained in Sri Lanka were discussed. It was agreed to repatriate Pakistani prisoners stranded in Sri Lanka for several years within 7 days.

Both the sides agreed to complete the necessary procedures for the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners on priority basis. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner assured his full cooperation in this regard. Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi thanked the Sri Lankan High Commissioner for his cooperation in the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners.

Matters related to drug trafficking and border security were also discussed in the meeting. The Federal Minister for Interior said that relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan have strengthened over time and swift measures are required to further strengthen mutual relations. He emphasised that enhancing mutual cooperation in drug trafficking and border security is need of the hour. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner said that Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced to bear all expenses for the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners stranded in Sri Lanka for years.

This move will pave the way for their return home soon. On the instructions of Interior Minister, Ministry of Interior was in contact with the Sri Lankan authorities but their release was delayed due to financial issues. Now, after the announcement by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, these prisoners will be able to return home soon after completing the necessary procedures.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has thanked Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan for taking personal interest in the release of these prisoners and said that his kind gesture is a breath of fresh air for the prisoners and their families.