The Sri Lankan government is preparing to release 43 Pakistani prisoners currently serving time in its prisons so they can return to Pakistan. Both countries have formally agreed to a prisoner repatriation program, with Sri Lanka releasing the mentioned Pakistani prisoners. Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported on this development, stating that Pakistan's Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral (retd) Ravindra Chandra Srivajay Gunaratne on Friday, May 24.
During the meeting, the release of nationals imprisoned in each other's countries was discussed, leading to Sri Lanka's decision to release the 43 Pakistani prisoners. The meeting between the Pakistani Home Minister and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner covered topics of mutual interest, friendship, and the strengthening of bilateral relations. Representatives from both sides agreed to increase collaboration in security, maritime security, and counter-narcotics.
Pakistan's home ministry had been engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities for the past month regarding the repatriation of the 43 Pakistani prisoners, which have now concluded successfully. Recently, a Sri Lankan court sentenced ten Pakistani individuals for drug trafficking after they were caught smuggling large amounts of narcotics in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan anti-narcotics squad apprehended them and presented the evidence in court, resulting in each person being sentenced to ten years in prison. These individuals had confessed to their crimes and are currently serving their sentences.
