Observer Report
Pakistan Red Crescent Society Chairman Abrar ul Haq has said the PRCS, within its mandate, is ready to assist the government for return of Pakistani migrants detained abroad and, in coordination with its Movement partners, facilitate exchange of news between the detained nationals and their families.
He was addressing a ceremony regarding voluntary repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals held at Governor House Karachi that was attended by Governor Sindh Imran Ismail and PRCS officials and others.
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society in coordination with all the parties involved facilitated the voluntary repatriation of a group of 24 Bangladeshi nationals detained in places of detention in Karachi. The detainees were charged under the Foreigners Act and had completed their sentences.
Based on the request received from the Govt of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the PRCS coordinated with the International Organization for Migration who extended their support in the voluntary return of 16 of the individuals who have left for Bangladesh while the Bangladeshi High Commission in Karachi was able to arrange flight tickets for the others scheduled to depart on Thursday.
Abrar ul Haq, referring to his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, said that the PRCS raised the humanitarian concerns of vulnerable Pakistani migrants in detention and is in contact with the relevant government ministries to address their situation including possibility to repatriate those who completed their sentences.
Abrar ul Haq said that the RFL is a key programme under which the PRCS endeavours to restore contacts between family members separated as a result of any situations requiring a humanitarian response. He said that the PRCS as an effective member of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is in a unique position to undertake such initiatives due to its extensive reach as well as potential to assist people who are separated from their families, wherever they may be.
