Islamabad, April 28, 2026: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday confirmed that 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Cambodia will be repatriated soon following diplomatic engagement with local authorities.
Responding to a media query, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia had actively taken up the matter with the host government, in line with directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The detainees were arrested in Siem Reap Province after a raid on a scamming compound. According to the spokesperson, Cambodian authorities have agreed to their early repatriation as a goodwill gesture.
Embassy officials are ensuring the welfare of the detained individuals, who are expected to return to Pakistan once flight arrangements are finalised.
Notably, the Cambodian government has decided not to initiate legal proceedings against the detainees under its recently enacted “Law on Combating Online Scams,” which came into effect on April 7, 2026, and carries strict penalties including lengthy prison terms and heavy fines.
The development reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts to safeguard and assist its citizens abroad.
