The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, announced on Tuesday that the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia successfully negotiated the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals who were detained in Siem Reap Province. The individuals were arrested during a raid on a scamming compound.
Embassy Efforts and Welfare
In a statement posted on his X handle, Andrabi confirmed that embassy staff are taking steps to ensure the welfare of the detained Pakistanis. He stated, "These individuals were arrested following a raid on a scamming compound. Our Embassy staff are taking steps to ensure the welfare of the detained Pakistanis."
Diplomatic Engagement
The spokesperson highlighted that the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian Government. This effort aligns with the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, who emphasized that facilitating the Pakistani community abroad is a top priority for all Pakistan's missions.
Repatriation Details
Andrabi further noted that the detainees would leave Cambodia as soon as flight arrangements are finalized. As a goodwill gesture from Cambodian authorities, the detainees will be repatriated without any legal proceedings under the "Law on Combating Online Scams," which came into effect on April 7, 2026. This law imposes significant prison sentences and hefty fines, but the Cambodian authorities have waived these proceedings for the Pakistani nationals.
This development underscores the commitment of Pakistan's diplomatic missions to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad, especially in challenging circumstances.
