Islamabad: In a significant development, 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Cambodia are set to be repatriated without facing legal proceedings, following a successful intervention by the Pakistan Embassy in Phnom Penh. The detainees were initially arrested during a raid on a compound in Siem Reap Province, suspected of being involved in online scams.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy’s efforts, instructed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, have led to the Cambodian authorities agreeing to the early repatriation of the detainees. Embassy staff are currently working on ensuring the welfare of the detained individuals and arranging their return flights to Pakistan.

The Cambodian authorities, in a goodwill gesture, will not pursue legal action against the detainees under the recently enacted “Law on Combating Online Scams,” which includes severe penalties. The Pakistan Embassy continues to coordinate with the host government to finalize travel arrangements, ensuring the detainees can return home promptly.