CNN
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Saiifullah Paracha, a former prisoner at Guantanamo Bay detention facility, has been repatriated to Pakistan, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously informed Congress in September of his intention to repatriate Paracha, who has been detained by the US since 2003 for alleged ties to al Qaeda.
The Statement of the Ministry of Defense The United States appreciates the willingness of Pakistan and other partners to support continued U.S. efforts focused on responsibly reducing the number of detainees and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.”
One statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Paracha had arrived in the country on Saturday, adding that the foreign ministry “has completed an extensive inter-agency process to facilitate the repatriation of Mr. Paracha.”
“We are delighted that a Pakistani citizen detained abroad has finally been reunited with his family,” the statement continued.
In a statement on Saturday, the Pentagon said 35 detainees remained at Guantamo Bay, adding that, “20 are eligible for transfer; 3 is eligible for the Periodic Review Board; 9 people participate in the military commission process; and 3 detainees were sentenced in the military commission”.
