Saudi crown prince orders release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners
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The morning after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman promised to deliver "whatever we can do" for Pakistanis living in the kingdom, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that MBS had ordered the immediate release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails.
Prime Minister Imran Khan at a ceremony held to welcome the crown prince at PM House on Sunday night had made a "special request" to MBS to look into the hardships of Pakistani labourers working in the kingdom, and to "look upon them as your own people".
"There are some 3,000 [Pakistani] prisoners there and we just would like you to bear in mind that they are poor people who have left their families behind," Khan had said.
Explore: Saudi crown prince arrives in Pakistan amid fanfare, received by PM Khan on red carpet
MBS had responded by assuring the premier to consider him Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Prince Mohammad had continued: "We cannot say no to Pakistan ... whatever we can do, we will deliver that."
Prime Minister Khan in a tweet today said that the crown prince had "won the hearts of the people of Pakistan when he said, 'Consider me Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia' in response to my asking him to treat the 2.5 million Pakistanis working in KSA as his own."
Read more: 'Pakistan will be a very important country in coming future,' says Saudi crown prince
Fawad Chaudhry in a tweet today said: "As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails."
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also noted that the crown prince had "graciously agreed" to free the Pakistani prisoners "with immediate effect".
"Cases of the remaining will be reviewed," he announced.
The foreign minister said the people of Pakistan thanked the crown prince for "responding immediately" to the premier's request.
This was Prince Mohammad's first state visit since becoming crown prince. Saudi Arabia has signed agreements worth $21 billion with Pakistan in various fields, including cooperation in power production, establishment of an oil refinery and petrochemical plant, promotion of sports and technical assistance in the standardisation sector.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (93) Closed
Feb 18, 2019 12:05pm
yeah, he won the thousands people heart of pakistan
long live Pak Saudi Relation
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Feb 18, 2019 12:06pm
Very good news. We love them both (PM Khan and MBS).
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Feb 18, 2019 12:09pm
Touching moments between good friends...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Feb 18, 2019 12:13pm
Thanks to Saudi crown prince ,as well Prime minister.We will hope that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will full their commitments
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Feb 18, 2019 12:14pm
Excellent gesture by MBS. We as a nation are grateful to him for his prompt and kind action.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:15pm
Please make Arabic compulsory so that the brethren can have better understanding.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:17pm
We wish he could have stayed longer in Pakistan.. MBS is charismatic leader Saudi Arabia have.. All the very best for the prosperous future of Saudi Arabia under the able leadership of Crown Prince MBS..
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Feb 18, 2019 12:18pm
Imran khan is doing wonders for Pakistan ! Thank your your royal highness MBS ! WIll never forget your generosity.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:19pm
This is a good gesture of friendship and credit goes to PM Imran Khan for requesting MBP to do something about the Pakistani prisoners who are held in Saudi jails. This shows that PM cares about poor people and is a sincere and soft hearted person - no other PM has done such things for poor people. This is one of many changes that we will see in near future. (ACP - Garib Awam ki Awaz).
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Feb 18, 2019 12:28pm
Imagine the amount of happiness and relief this brings to those prisoners and their families. Salute to IK for speaking on their behalf and MBS for taking the issue up immediately and issuing the release orders.
Long live Pak-Saudi friendship.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:29pm
releasing people? held for what reasons?.. 2000 people is sizeable numbers.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:32pm
Good. But these criminals must be punished back in Pakistan for their actions.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:33pm
Nation is grateful to his highness Prince Salman for the gesture.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:34pm
Great gestures of empathy for the voiceless... Thank you Imran Khan for your caring ways for the citizens of Pakistan, and thank you Crown Prince for your generosity towards our people.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:34pm
Good news for poor prisoners.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:35pm
Brave request by IK. I hope MBS can stays in power for long as Pakistan is in need of a rich ally. If Pakistan can get something akin to a Marshall plan given to Germany by the US post World War 2 , Pakistan can hope to enter the middle income country category in the next 10 to 15 years,
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Feb 18, 2019 12:41pm
Long live Pak. Saudia friendship. Believe signing of such hefty amount of MOU is first step towards making Pak Saudia relationship strengthened. This will pave the way to develop Pakistan. But Our friends have many time helped us in big ways. We allowed USA build air Base in Peshawar to monitor the movement of Soviet Union. In lieu of that US helped us militariyly ,economically and we became one of the most progressing countries of the world. Korea,Taiwan, were far behind us. Our academic Institutions were best in the world. People from many countries come to study here. Our bureaucracy was amongst top countries of the world. Many countries send their personnel's to study our development plans. Finance Minister Sohaib, Asgar Khan and Nur Khan were top performers of our country.Industrialization was taking at rapid pace. But suddenly a wrong decision that lead to 1965 war blown every thing away. Opportunities come and go but we have to honest with our self and loyal with our country.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:42pm
Love and Respect
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Feb 18, 2019 12:45pm
Thank you. Your highness. To day 2000 families whose love ones are released will be celebrating Eid. Whole nation is thankful to you sir and pray for your good health, prosperity and prosperity of Saudia.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:46pm
Excellent gesture.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:54pm
Good gesture
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Feb 18, 2019 12:54pm
We as a nation thank MBS. And must fully appreciate PM khan courage to raise this issue right on time.
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Feb 18, 2019 12:57pm
Long live Saudi-Pak friendship....
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Feb 18, 2019 12:59pm
The crown prince MBS has truly won the hearts of Pakistanis. The credit to all the accomplishments and the warmth in the relationship goes to our beloved PM Imran Khan.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:03pm
Amazing, just shows a little bit of respect and gratitude for one another can achieve some great results instantly , lots hope this is the start of new beginnings of a new chapter for neighbouring countries,in th region,
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Feb 18, 2019 01:03pm
High Moments for Pakistan.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:08pm
Congrats! I hope they won't get into such things and live happily.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:10pm
HRH crown prince MBS and our PM IK has won the hearts entire Pakistani nation. JazakAllah Khair...
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Feb 18, 2019 01:17pm
@Jalil Yousaf,
Definitely KSA is not going to release criminals and request was never intended for that. Most of them are poor people who went there on expensive visas but could not renew visa due to job loss or financial issues and can not pay penalties now.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:17pm
This is called Brotherhood.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:25pm
When a PM talks about his people and not business
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Feb 18, 2019 01:27pm
Did NS or Zardari ever invite Imran Khan on such occasions when they were in power ???
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Feb 18, 2019 01:30pm
This is the beginning of people to people relationship. we are proud of you "Imran Khan"
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Feb 18, 2019 01:31pm
No sky fell if the opposition leaders could have invited to the official engagements of MBS. It would be a democratic gesture and symbolised unity of the nation or political leadership.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:38pm
Great move and excellent humanitarian gesture shown by MBS, crown Prince of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia by ordering the release from Saudi jails of over two thousand citizens of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Well done and keep it up.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:39pm
how many times did NS ask for prisoner releases? zero!
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Feb 18, 2019 01:44pm
Thank you Crown prince and his royal family. Thank you People of Saudi Arabia. I was not saudi supporter but you have changed my mind.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:44pm
Wow.
All love and respect to the great young Leader of a great Nation.
Wishing all the best to the people of Saudi Arabia.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:44pm
Lets hope he can become a bridge between india and pakistan in solving kashmir issue
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Feb 18, 2019 01:44pm
Thats the way Mr. Khan !!!
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Feb 18, 2019 01:50pm
A great gesture from MBS. He has truly started to win hearts of Pakistani's.
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Feb 18, 2019 01:57pm
He came, he saw, he conquered. HRH MBS we are grateful to you. And thanks our great PM IK who took up this matter with the Royal guest.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:01pm
Complete contrast between Imran Khan and previous Prime Ministers of Pakistan. Imran requesting ease for Pakistan and Pakistanis other requested for their family and themselves.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:03pm
IK proving to be good leader for pakistan, in past only had corrupt ppp and pmln.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:03pm
Great thank you MBS for this generous act. We Pakistani are indebted to you and want to see u as King of S.Arabia and the custodian of two holy mosques.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:05pm
You can disagree with IK's policies all you want but you have to agree that he genuinely cares about his country and people.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:07pm
It seems like they both have found likeminded people in each other. Both are determined to change the way their countries have been run in the past. May this is start of an unbreakable and fruitful longterm relationship which would be mutually beneficial to people of both countries.
Saudis have money and oil. Pakistan has human resources and skills. If both are used properly they'll take both countries to a new level!
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Feb 18, 2019 02:12pm
simply love you both the leaders
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Feb 18, 2019 02:17pm
IK Zindabad, ♥ He is the First Pakistani Prime Minister who asked for the help of the poorest and helpless Pakistanis.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:20pm
Great gesture from honourable guest to this nation. Saluting PM Imran Khan to raise & request and to resolve this issue. This is first time a sitting PM has thought of those who are languished in foreign jails. Our old governments were least bothered or concerned about them. Thanks to PM & to Saudia.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:21pm
This achievement alone, wins IK my vote in the next elections!
Well done! Bravo. Pakistan needed a leader like Imran Khan.
No other previous government had the guts to even bring up the subject in numerous visits to KSA, let alone demand the release of the languishing Pakistanis in Saudi jails.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:28pm
May both ( MBS & IK) be blessed, the only but main dua by the poor man.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:30pm
Only the brave Khan can stand up and ask for this request with such confidence in front of the Prince! All previous Prime Ministers in recent times were cowards and only interested in money!
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Feb 18, 2019 02:37pm
Speechless and teary-eyed.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:39pm
@Jalil Yousaf, I fully agree . If a foreign government is being generous to us then we also owe it to them to ensure that no negative elements are sent there. The cases of the 2000 released by the Saudis should also be reviewed here.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:39pm
release of Pakistanis stranded in Saudi Arabia is a good omen.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:41pm
PM Imran khan and Saudi Prince MBS Zindabad
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Feb 18, 2019 02:41pm
Good achievement
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Feb 18, 2019 02:44pm
@fairplay, "how many times did NS ask for prisoner releases? zero!"
Doesn't the irony strike you as phenominal!? NS himself is a prisnoer now and asking for his own release!
What a turn of events!!
Nature has an interesting way to teach one an important lesson.
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Feb 18, 2019 02:50pm
@fairplay, true but how did these thousands of Pakistanis end up in prison?
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Feb 18, 2019 02:52pm
Hip Hip Horray
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Feb 18, 2019 04:37pm
@Human, let’s have a balanced emotional response
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Feb 18, 2019 04:52pm
News of the year
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Feb 18, 2019 05:07pm
Not in the past 30 years have we seen such diplomacy and progress.
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Feb 18, 2019 05:33pm
@Jalil Yousaf, : The only sane comment. Well said Jalil
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Feb 18, 2019 05:41pm
@Wazir 1,
Haven't they done enough damage already without being invited to official functions
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Feb 18, 2019 06:04pm
good gesture
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Feb 18, 2019 06:29pm
Assets for pakistan.
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Feb 18, 2019 07:10pm
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
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Feb 18, 2019 07:21pm
Well done your Highness, hats off, you have won our hearts.
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Feb 18, 2019 07:50pm
Thanks for releasing all the prisoners. Hope they don't create any law and order situations in the country.
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Feb 18, 2019 07:59pm
It is a great news for the families of Pakistanis incarcerated in Saudi Jails.There are thousand of Pakistanis in American jails as well but they cannot be released without due process of law even if the President of United States wishes that.As we celebrate their release question arises why they were in jail.Having known the total disrespect of law in Saudi Arabia it is fair to say that some of them must have violated the laws of the kingdom.Time has come to educate our people to obey and respect foreign laws when in foreign lands.People in Saudi Arabia got lucky because crown prince's words are the law as there is no due process involved.If any of those individuals have committed serious crimes in the kingdom they should be arrested and jailed when they come home.There should be no free lunch for criminals anywhere.
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Feb 18, 2019 08:01pm
Thanks saudi Arabia and Pakistan
This is naya Pakistan.
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Feb 18, 2019 08:19pm
@Aaron: Obviously, criminals should not be released, neither I think that they would be nor Imran would ask for their release or would expect their release.
I think (that is my opinion), these over 2000 people are those who are arrested and in prison because of breaking laws, such as over staying or are those who got arrested but charges on them are not proven.
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Feb 18, 2019 08:22pm
Dear Saudis!
We will always stand by your side.
Thanks
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Feb 18, 2019 09:20pm
Finally someone raised the issue of hardships faced by Pakistani laborers living in KSA.
Thanks PM.
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Feb 18, 2019 09:23pm
@umar,
I understand and respect your good wishes and hopes.
Comparing postwar Germany and today's Pakistan is not fair, though. Germany was scientifically and echnologically THE leading superpower before the WW II.
German language was THE language for science and technology.
They had all the knowledge and technology. "Only" investment and rebuilding was required after the destruction caused by the war. Loans in form of Marshall plan were provided by the US basically to counter Russian influence.
However, today's Pakistan is far from where Germany stood after the war. In terms of knowledge, education and technology.
Still, we need to make progress and this is a very good opportunity.
Hope, we keep moving on the right direction. We need sincere politicians.
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Feb 18, 2019 09:40pm
@Leo, Too late for that.
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Feb 18, 2019 10:22pm
Great start. But honestly 10 years too late. Oh all those wasted years and wasted $ on both sides.
Better late than never. Even so. Lot of catching up to do.
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Feb 18, 2019 10:49pm
Even if these people are imprisoned for crime, they can finish their sentences in Pakistan and be close to their loved ones. That is what matters to being sympathetic and just at the same time. Well done IK.
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Feb 18, 2019 10:50pm
@Leo, Do you have a language institute for that? I guess we all will be learning Chinese soon both in East and West, remember. So might consider that business!
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Feb 18, 2019 10:55pm
All Prisons are full. No room left for new prisoners.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:03am
Release of Pakistani prisoners is a step in the right direction. Violations of rules like over stay should be limited to fines and not jail.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:26am
@Indian, jealousy is a form if pyschological Imbalance. Get well, not too soon.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:38am
Together with Saudi Arabia and China, Pakistan can become a truly great power. Long live Saudi Arabia, China, and Pakistan. This will also end the nexus of America, India, and Israel.
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Feb 19, 2019 04:59am
@Wazir 1, But the opposition does not cooperate with the government. They are doing leg-pulling. They don't even accept the new government - they call it selected.
Under such circumstances, opposition should not have been invited.
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Feb 19, 2019 06:05am
You cant trust when someone smile so much
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Feb 19, 2019 07:12am
This is great news. Bravo PMIK. There are still more people there in Saudi. MBs should guarantee better living conditions and pay hikes and perks. Also more grants to us
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Feb 19, 2019 10:48am
Thank you Prince, for showing a princely gesture.
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Feb 19, 2019 07:35pm
Good, now its Imran Khan's turn, there are thousand of innocent people in Pakistan's jail, due to the influence of powerful people, please release them too
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Feb 19, 2019 11:24pm
Thank you Sir Crown Prince. Great and quick action!
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Feb 20, 2019 12:04am
Thanks to Imran Khan( Prime Minister of Pakistan )who requested for release of voiceless prisioners in Saudia Arabia and a great gesture of MBS to order for release of detained prisioners immediately.We pakistanis are indebted to MBS and pray for a long life of both dynamic heros.(Texas)
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Feb 20, 2019 11:30am
@hanifsmile, PM Khan can't release prisoners on his own. He is a prime minister, not a king. He has to go through the proper procedure and process of law. He can expedite the cases, though.
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