UK raises concerns over Pakistan’s 'misuse' of prisoner exchange agreement

The United Kingdom has expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s handling of a prisoner exchange agreement after a convicted criminal was prematurely released, despite a lengthy sentence handed down by UK courts.

Sources told Nukta that the UK government has formally demanded an explanation from Pakistan after a prisoner, originally sentenced to more than 30 years in the UK, was repatriated and released early in Pakistan.

Under the 2008 bilateral prisoner transfer agreement, the convict was supposed to complete the remaining 24 years of his sentence in a Pakistani prison.

The convict, a resident of Peshawar, had already served time in the UK before being transferred to Pakistan. However, sources allege that a collusion between the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) home and prison departments led to his early release.

The prisoner was transferred from Adiala Jail to Peshawar Central Jail at the request of the KP Home Department.

To further fuel the controversy, reports surfaced suggesting that the convict, instead of serving time, was spotted attending social gatherings in Peshawar. These revelations prompted the UK government to question the integrity of Pakistan’s prison system, sources added.

In response to the growing concerns, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has launched an inquiry into the matter, following allegations that repatriated prisoners are being granted undue privileges.

Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, confirmed the case, revealing that the prisoner, who still had over two decades left on his sentence, was granted parole for several days—a privilege he described as “a clear misuse of the system”.

“Parole should not extend beyond a few hours a day, and there was no justification for such a lengthy release,” Chaudhry said.

Following an initial investigation, the federal government confirmed that the prisoner was indeed on parole and was later returned to Peshawar Jail. Authorities have since issued a warning to the KP government and prison administration to adhere strictly to prison regulations.

Chaudhry also noted that Pakistani officials had met with their UK counterparts to provide clarifications. He assured that the prisoner exchange agreement remains intact and has not been affected by the incident.

“This is not the first time such a case has surfaced,” Chaudhry added, referencing a similar incident during the tenure of former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

Meanwhile, federal authorities have sought an explanation from the KP government and ordered a full inquiry into the matter. Steps are reportedly being taken to transfer the prisoner back to Adiala Jail, sources said.

Nukta reached out to the secretaries of the Punjab and KP Home Departments for comments, but no response was received by the time of publication. KP’s Inspector General of Prisons, when approached, claimed he was unaware of any inquiry, adding that provincial home departments hold the authority to transfer prisoners between provinces.

A spokesperson for the UK High Commission in Pakistan declined to comment on individual cases but assured that the prisoner exchange agreement between Pakistan and the UK remains in place and has not been discussed for cancellation.