Addis Ababa (TDI): Pakistan’s Embassy in Addis Ababa has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 29 Pakistani citizens who were arrested by Addis Ababa Police in March for violations of immigration regulations and involvement in unauthorized employment activities in Ethiopia.
After weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Pakistan’s mission managed not only to secure their release but also get heavy fines waived, fines that could have run into thousands of dollars for each individual.
This rare concession by Ethiopian authorities is being viewed as a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of Pakistan’s outreach and humanitarian appeal.
The process wasn’t easy. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Addis Ababa met repeatedly with top Ethiopian officials, including members of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the country’s immigration chiefs, and senior diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read More: Pakistan Ethiopia Ink MoU for Political Consultation
Support also came from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which worked with both governments to ensure the group’s return was handled with dignity.
According to embassy officials, 17 individuals flew back to Karachi on July 25, while the remaining 12 followed two days later, APP reported.
Read More: Pakistan, Ethiopia Launch Joint Effort to Boost Food Security
The Embassy issued a statement thanking Ethiopian authorities for their cooperation and said the safe return of the detainees underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to its citizens abroad.
“This successful repatriation reflects what is possible through active engagement and mutual respect,” said one diplomat familiar with the case.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
