At least 200 Pakistanis are languishing in Riyadh jail currently.
Stranded Pakistani nationals said the Saudi embassy had completed its paper work within a day, and now the matter was persistently lingering on due to government’s cold shoulder to them.
They also appealed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take notice of the situation and provide them assistance.
However, the PM had already directed the Foreign Office to offer all-out help to the stranded Pakistani workers in Riyadh, but seemingly his orders, as victims believe, fell on deaf ears.
CEO ARY Digital Network Mr. Salman Iqbal also urged prominent social worker Ansar Burney to make arrangements for return of the stranded Pakistanis.
The news of several overseas workers plight in Saudi Arabia surfaced in August last when it transpired that thousands of jobless Pakistani, Indians, Bengali and Filipinos were stranded and destitute in Saudi Arabia after the plunge in oil prices sparked construction layoffs.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry, had said in its statement, that 8,520 of its nationals in Saudi Arabia had not been receiving their salaries for several months.
Their statement said that “most of the workers want to leave these companies but only after settling their dues”.
The Pakistan embassy had reportedly set up special centres and a fund to provide aid, food, medicine and shelter.
“The (Pakistani) embassy has further informed that Saudi King has issued a decree for urgent payment of dues to workers by the concerned companies,” the office of the prime minister said.
“We stand by our hardworking workers who are away from their homeland to earn a living for their families. They are our strength and pride. We will help them out in all possible ways,” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had earlier said in a statement.
