Former PTI lawmaker arrested in Saudi Arabia, foreign office denies

RIYADH: Former lawmaker of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Faheem Khan Swati has been arrested in Saudi Arabia during his Umrah visit, according to the party.

A statement released by the PTI said Faheem, who hailed from Swati tribe of Battal Mansehra, was held while he was performing Umrah in Holy Land.

Khan was detained due to a video he filmed at the Kaaba about events of May 9, when civil, and military installations were attacked after arrest of former PM Imran Khan.

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PTI leaders in Pakistan claimed that Pakistani government is behind Faheem Khan’s arrest in Kingdom.

Faheem Khan was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2018-2023. Swati hails from the Mandravi clan of the Swati tribe in Battal Mansehra.

He secured his seat from Constituency NA-241 (Korangi Karachi-III) in 2018 polls.During his term, he also served as the President of the District Korangi.

Foreign office reacts to arrest

Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan on Thursday reacted to the news of ex-PTI MNA, Faheem Khan’s ‘arrest’ in Saudi Arabia. 

Responding to a question regarding the ‘arrest’ of Faheem Khan, FO Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zehra Baloch said Pakistani citizens must abide by the law of the country they visit, reported ARY.

Your question is outdated, he is not in Saudi Arabia’s custody, Baloch responded.

Did KSA government release Faheem Khan?, the journalist asked the FO spokesperson. “You are a journalist, confirm his arrest or release,” she responded.

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