The Pakistani government has formally demanded answers from Russian authorities regarding the status and location of a missing Pakistani national. The Foreign Office confirmed it is actively pursuing the case of Sajid Mehmood, whose family reported his disappearance after he traveled to Russia.
Diplomatic Channels Activated for Missing National
During her weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the concerning situation. She stated that Pakistani missions in Russia have been instructed to urgently seek clarification from the Russian government. The core demand is for concrete information on why Sajid Mehmood was detained, his current location, and his physical and legal condition.
"We have asked the Russian authorities for details about his arrest and well-being," Baloch told reporters, underscoring the government's proactive stance. The intervention highlights the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens abroad, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their travel or stay in a foreign country.
Family's Anguish and the Search for Truth
The case came to light when Sajid Mehmood's family, residing in Pakistan, lost contact with him and subsequently approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for help. Their distress prompted the diplomatic machinery to swing into action. While the exact date of his detention remains unclear, the Pakistani embassy's involvement indicates the issue has been pending for some time.
Spokesperson Baloch emphasized that providing consular access and assistance to Pakistani citizens in distress overseas is a top priority for the country's missions. The government's position is clear: it will continue to press Moscow until satisfactory answers are provided and the citizen's rights are secured.
Ongoing Efforts and Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges faced by nationals living or working abroad, especially in regions with complex legal and political environments. The Pakistani Foreign Office's public statement serves both as an update to the concerned family and the public, and as a diplomatic nudge to the Russian authorities.
As of now, the Russian side has not publicly commented on this specific case. The wait for information continues for Sajid Mehmood's family. The outcome of this diplomatic engagement will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for how similar cases involving Pakistani citizens in Russia are handled in the future. The Foreign Office has assured that it will provide further updates as more information becomes available through official channels.
