MONTHS after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the ‘immediate release’ of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails, a Senate panel has revealed that not a single prisoner has been freed by Saudi authorities. During a briefing by the Foreign Office some days ago, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights lamented the Saudi regime’s failure to keep its promise and also said that details of the prisoners have not been shared despite repeated reminders by the government. According to one official, Prime Minister Imran Khan himself reminded the crown prince of his promise during his Riyadh visit in May. But the response from the Saudi government has been consistently disappointing: they will start processing the prisoners’ release ‘soon’.

The attitude of the Saudis on this issue is baffling. Mr Khan’s impassioned appeal followed by the prince’s announcement in February were celebrated in Pakistan as humanitarian gestures that would bring an end to the plight of those languishing in prisons. But instead of making good on their commitment, Saudi authorities appear insincere in resolving the issue — a reminder that the gesture thus far amounts to merely paying lip service. The responsibility for ensuring the release of these prisoners lies with our Foreign Office, which must use its cordial relations with Riyadh to facilitate their freedom. In fact, as this was a response to a plea made specifically by Mr Khan, it is his responsibility to resolve the hurdles in the way of the prisoners’ release. Additionally, the government must seriously focus on strengthening the regulation of labour migration, to avoid exposing thousands of poorly paid Pakistani workers to human trafficking, forced labour, ill treatment in detention overseas and even the risk of death. It must work to increase oversight of recruitment procedures and ensure that overseas employment promoters are licensed and accountable. Vulnerable migrant workers must have consular access before, during, and after they are incarcerated. Filling the gaps in labour migration laws and enforcing existing ones can protect low-wage migrant workers from exploitation and human trafficking.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2019