82 Pakistanis, 69 Indians in prison pardoned by Bahrain King

Manama : Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that out of the 559 prisoners released in Bahrain under a Royal Pardon granted by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, 82 are Pakistanis.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry said that the release was presumably by Pakistani Ambassador Javed Malik’s efforts. He personally visited the Pakistani inmates in May 2016 and took up the matter with the relevant authorities in Bahrain. The Pakistanis, who have been released, would be soon united with their families and efforts are underway to repatriate them home.

“While appreciating the cooperation rendered by Bahraini Authorities, particularly the Interior Minister of Bahrain, the families of the prisoners are grateful to HM the King for his compassion,” the statement issued in Islamabad said.

Indian Minister thanks

India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj also expressed her gratitude to the Bahrain Government in a Twitter message. “We thank Bahrain for Royal Pardon to 69 Indian prisoners,” she said, adding, “I appreciate the efforts of Indian Ambassador Alok Sinha and his team.”

DT News had earlier reported HM the King issuing a Royal Decree pardoning and releasing 559 inmates, who have served part of their jail terms, for their good conduct.

The Royal gesture reflects HM the King’s keenness to provide the pardoned inmates with the opportunity to participate in their country’s progress.