PM thanks Saudi government for Pakistanis release

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Friday warmly welcomed the five Pakistanis freed by the Saudi government, imprisoned on charges of narcotics smuggling.

The five were freed after the arrest of the real culprits in Pakistan, who without the persons' knowledge, placed narcotics in their belongings.

The Prime Minister invited the freed persons to visit the Prime Minister House soon after their arrival at Benazir Bhutto International Airport by a special Saudi chartered flight.

Gilani received the returned Pakistanis accompanied by Interior Minister Rehman Malik and warmly greeted them with garlands on their safe return back home.

"Your innocence has added to the country's pride," the Prime Minister told the freed persons that were held soon after they landed in the holy land to perform Umrah.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for the release of Pakistanis after being provided proof of their innocence. He said the government's sincere efforts and prayers of nation brought fruits with Allah's blessing.

Gilani mentioned the efforts of Interior Minister Rehman Malik and the Religious Ministry for making the issue resolved in positive.

He said he had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make diplomatic efforts to take up the issue of release of other innocent Pakistanis abroad.

He also listened to the problems of the freed persons and issued directives regarding a demand for regularization of a man in a company.

Rehman Malik said the case of release of Pakistani prisoners was pursued on Prime Minister's special interest.

He said he had talked with his Saudi counterpart Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz who extended great cooperation in this regard.

He said the freed Pakistanis were due to return on September27, however on their request for Umrah, the date was extended to date.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Shagufta Jumani was also present.