Some reports recently appeared in Pakistani media mentioning that steps are being taken to bring back over 50,000 Pakistanis who are languishing in Turkish jails. It is clarified that the numbers of jailed Pakistanis mentioned in these media reports are not correct. As of March 2019, total number of Pakistanis who are currently in Turkish jails is 205. Some of them have been convicted and awarded a sentence, whereas others are still undergoing trial, says a press release received from Ankara here today. In addition, there are about 2,500 Pakistanis who are in detention centres in various cities of Turkey. This number keeps on varying according to the number entering Turkey illegally. Most of them were caught while entering or leaving Turkish borders illegally. Our consular teams regularly visit these detention centres to observe living conditions of the detainees. Their repatriation to Pakistan is arranged after determination of their national status. It has been observed that many illegal detainees are reluctant to share their CNIC and other details, which are mandatory to establish their national status as per the requirements of the Government of Pakistan and for preparation of their emergency travel documents for deportation. As soon as their national status is determined, our Missions prepare their emergency travel documents, and they are deported. The Embassy of Pakistan Ankara and Consulate General of Pakistan in Istanbul would continue to provide all the services that they can to Pakistanis who are in jails, as well as to those who are in detention centres. ***
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