Saudi Crown Prince orders the release of over 2,100 Pakistani prisoners

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners held in the kingdom during his visit to Pakistan on Monday.

The move came following a request from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

As a sequel to Prime Minister Imran Khan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners Saudi Jails. #PakSaudiFriendship ????#CrownPrinceinPakisatan #KSAPakistanNewEra pic.twitter.com/lLkN6sLLFc

— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) February 18, 2019

Pakistan’s Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi confirmed that cases of other Pakistani prisoners will also be reviewed.

HRH Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has graciously agreed to free 2107 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia with immediate effect. Cases of the remaining will be reviewed. People of Pakistan thank HRH for responding immediately to Prime Minister Imran Khan's request.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) February 18, 2019

The prisoner release came after Prince Mohammed announced investments of $20bn in Pakistan, pledging to help the struggling country even more in the future.

“It’s big for phase one, and definitely it will grow every month and every year, and it will be beneficial to both countries,” said the Crown Prince.

“We have been a brotherly country, a friendly country to Pakistan. We’ve walked together in tough and good times, and we (will) continue.”

سمو #ولي_العهد يستقل عربة تجرها الخيول متوجها إلى القصر الرئاسي في إسلام آباد يرافقه رئيس الوزراء الباكستاني.#محمد_بن_سلمان_في_باكستان
#CrownPrinceinPakistan#واس pic.twitter.com/G8Mw5c50w9

— واس (@spagov) February 18, 2019

The Pakistani Prime Minister personally drove the Prince Mohammed to the capital Islamabad after giving him a red carpet welcome.

“Saudi Arabia has always been a friend in need, which is why we value it so much,” said Khan, while seated next to Prince Mohammed. “I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in bad situation.”

Read more: Saudi Crown Prince begins Asia tour with $20bn Pakistan investment pledge