The 320 Pakistani nationals who were stuck in Malaysia after completing their jail sentences, returned home on Wednesday through a special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight.
These Pakistani detainees completed their sentence term and were unable to be repatriated as direct flights got suspended in February owing to the regional situation. Most of these nationals were imprisoned due to expiry of visa or residence permits.
The national carrier announced on its Twitter handle that it was proud to bring back home the Pakistani nationals who were stranded in Malaysia due to flight route closure. "PIA is honored to perform its duties on the instruction of Prime Minister Imran Khan," the national carrier added.
Proud of our crew who flew the special 777 flight to bring home 300 plus Pakistani's who were stranded in Malaysia due to flight route closure. PIA is honored to perform its duties on the instruction of PM Imran Khan & under the leadership of CEO AM Arshad Malik! #PIA #Malaysia pic.twitter.com/tE8CJIcDN8
— PIA (@Official_PIA) May 29, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered earlier on Tuesday that the Pakistani nationals be brought back to Pakistan in a special aircraft. He further issued directives to arrange return of these detainees so that they may be able to join their families on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.