- Ministry says 104 citizens serving prison sentences, 253 under trial
Over 350 Pakistanis are languishing in different American jails under allegations of various offences, ranging from terrorism to violation of immigration laws, according to a document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to questions by a lawmaker.
According to the documents, 104 Pakistani citizens were serving prison sentences whereas 253 Pakistanis are under trial. Majority of the prisoners were in jail for violation of immigration laws while others were accused of terrorism, theft, burglary and fraud.
In 2007, Pakistani scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui was sentenced to prison for ‘attacking American soldiers,’ the report said, adding that Khalid Awan was facing imprisonment since 2006 for assisting an Indian terrorist outfit. “Shehwar Mateen and Abdul Naseer were imprisoned for allegedly planting a bomb,” it said.
The ministry presented a list of the prisoners, along with the nature of allegations levelled against them. The report clarified that as soon as diplomatic missions were informed about the arrest of a Pakistani national, immediate consular access is requested and the relevant mission remains in contact with the national in prison and detention centres.
The ministry also said that regular consular visits were also arranged, and the missions also provide possible legal assistance, if requested. “Most of the under trial prisoners/detainees usually sign a waiver at the time of their arrest surrendering their right to consular access with the intention to exhaust all possible legal avenues to stay in the US even after completion of their sentences,” the report said.
