Phnom Penh: In a recent development, Cambodia has agreed to the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals who were detained in Siem Reap Province, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. The Pakistani embassy in Cambodia has been actively engaging with the Cambodian government to expedite this process.

According to Radio Pakistan, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the agreement on repatriation while addressing queries about the detained Pakistanis. He emphasized that the mission in Cambodia has been following directives from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, prioritizing assistance to the Pakistani community abroad. The individuals in question were apprehended after a raid on a scamming compound.

The spokesperson indicated that embassy staff are working to ensure the detainees’ well-being and are making necessary flight arrangements for their return. As a gesture of goodwill, Cambodian authorities have decided to repatriate the detainees without initiating legal proceedings under the “Law on Combating Online Scams,” which came into effect on April 7, 2026, and carries severe penalties.