FO clarifies status of former PTI MNA arrested in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan has clarified the status of former PTI MNA Faheem Khan, who was reportedly arrested in Saudi Arabia.

FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch stated that Pakistani citizens must respect the laws of the countries they visit. When asked about Khan’s arrest, Baloch denied that he was in Saudi custody, suggesting that the information was outdated.

When pressed for confirmation of former PTI MNA release, Mumtaz Baloch directed the journalists to verify the information themselves.

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced that its former lawmaker, Faheem Khan Swati, had been detained in Saudi Arabia while on an Umrah pilgrimage.

According to the party, Faheem’s arrest is linked to a video he recorded at the Kaaba, referencing the events of May 9, when widespread protests and attacks on government and military installations occurred following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

PTI leaders in Pakistan are accusing the government of orchestrating Khan’s arrest in Saudi Arabia. Faheem Khan, a member of the National Assembly from 2018 to 2023, represented Constituency NA-241 (Korangi Karachi-III) and served as President of the District Korangi during his term. He belongs to the Mandravi clan of the Swati tribe in Battal Mansehra.

PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh assured that the party is working to secure Khan’s early release, maintaining constant contact with his family and utilizing all available resources.