Transfer of second batch of Pakistani prisoners from Thailand to Pakistan

(2011-06-22)

Pakistan and Thailand formally effected the transfer of 11 Pakistani prisoners to Pakistan in Bangkok, yesterday, in pursuance of the bilateral Agreement on “Cooperation in the Transfer of Offenders and Enforcement of Penal Sentences.”

These 11 prisoners are part of a second batch of 22 being transferred to Pakistan. The first batch of 8 prisoners was transferred to Pakistan in December 2010.

At the Transfer Ceremony yesterday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Sohail Mahmood represented the Pakistan Government. The Director General of the Department of Corrections, Mr. Chartchai Suthiklom, represented the Thai side.

This transfer of prisoners is the outcome of an inter-governmental process and represents close cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand in the consular field.

Pakistan-Thailand Agreement on the Transfer of Offenders was signed in 2007 and came into effect in 2009. Ever since, the Government has made proactive efforts to ensure fast-track implementation of the Agreement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok worked closely to achieve this outcome.

Islamabad
22 June 2011

215/2011