KARACHI, December 12. /DUNYO IA/. A representative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan paid an official visit to the Central Women’s Prison in Karachi, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the visit, embassy officials held a meeting with the Uzbek national currently held at the facility.

According to reports, Uzbek citizen arrived in Pakistan in December 2024 with a spouse of Maldivian nationality under a religious marriage, intending to pursue business activities. Earlier, in January of the same year, the individual was allegedly implicated, together with their spouse, in a group involved in drug trafficking and was subsequently detained, being placed in the Central Women’s Prison in Karachi. The court proceedings are ongoing.

The Uzbek national emphasized to embassy representatives that they had been misled by the foreign spouse and had no involvement in drug-related activities. Seeking assistance for release, they appealed to the Uzbek Embassy in Pakistan.

Diplomatic staff have conducted multiple meetings with the citizen, reviewed the investigation details, and are closely monitoring the judicial process.

According to the Uzbek national, following the intervention of embassy officials, the charges against them are now being reviewed more impartially.

“With the support of the Uzbek Embassy, I have hired a new lawyer. I maintain that I am completely innocent. Unfortunately, I was misled by my spouse’s false promises, left my homeland and ended up in this situation. The diplomats of our country have consistently been monitoring my case. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan and our diplomatic staff for not abandoning a citizen abroad and for their efforts to secure my release”, - said the citizen.

During the visit, consular and legal advice was provided to ensure the protection of the citizen’s rights. Additionally, with the assistance of active members of the Uzbek community, food, winter clothing, and financial support were delivered.

The lawyer previously assigned by Pakistani authorities was dismissed for failing to properly handle the case, and a new attorney was engaged by the Uzbek Embassy. The citizen also met with the newly appointed lawyer, who confirmed a high likelihood of securing release. The lawyer noted that the citizen’s Maldivian spouse has affirmed their innocence and expressed willingness to compensate for the moral damages suffered during detention and to accept legal responsibility themselves.

During the official visit, the embassy official also met with the head of the Central Women’s Prison in Karachi. The discussion focused on the condition and well-being of the Uzbek national currently held at the facility, as well as possibilities for their prompt return to Uzbekistan to be reunited with family.

According to the prison director, the citizen stands out for their exemplary behavior, manners, and respectful attitude toward others.

“The Uzbek citizen is temporarily held here while legal proceedings continue. Their conduct is excellent - they easily get along with fellow inmates and show kindness to cellmates. We sincerely hope to see them released from the courtroom”, - said the head of the prison.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to further expand opportunities for the citizen’s well-being, including access to rest, meetings with family, telephone communication, consultations with their lawyer and timely medical care.