The federal government is in action for foreign prisoners who have completed their sentences in Pakistan, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.  

A team under Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah compiled a comprehensive plan to ensure shelter, rehabilitation and return of such foreigners. 

Contacts will be made for the repatriation of such prisoners, sources said, adding that  mentally-challenged prisoners will be transferred to shelter and Darul Aman in the first phase

The National and Database Registration Authority (Nadra) issued Alien Registration Cards (ARCs) to foreign detainees while provincial admins and NGOs will be engaged in the programme.

to ensure safe accommodation and rehabilitation of them.

Mentally-challenged prisoners will be treated at the Punjab Institute of Mental Health Lahore and the decision will also benefit an Indian who is deaf and dumb.

 According to a report, 17 foreigners - languishing in Adiala jail for years – will shortly be released. Eight are believed to be from Bangladesh, four from India, two from Myanmar, and one each from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

The Federal Review Board (FRB) in its last meeting on Sept 12 gave the last chance for coming up with a ‘positive response regarding the early deportation of the internees’.

“If the ministries are unable to do the needful then the Secretary MoFA and Secretary Interior should appear in person on the next hearing on 23.09.2022,” the review board directed.

Reportedly, two inter-ministerial/departmental meetings have been held between the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and provincial departments of the government of Punjab and Sindh on Sept 14 and Sept 21 through video link.

Subsequent to these meetings, the secretary to the prime minister held a meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office on Sept 21 with officials from both ministries. Necessary instructions have been obtained from the PM Office for the facilitation of the internees.