The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the National Assembly that a total of 23,456 Pakistanis are imprisoned around the world, with the highest number being 12,156 Pakistanis jailed in Saudi Arabia.
According to a report, during the question hour in the lower house, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented details of the government’s efforts to obtain consular access and facilitate the repatriation of prisoners.
In a written response, the Ministry stated that 5,292 Pakistanis are imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates, which is the second highest number of Pakistani prisoners in any country. In response to questions regarding Pakistanis imprisoned worldwide, the Ministry stated that gender-based data is being compiled with the cooperation of diplomatic missions and the authorities of host countries.
Missions maintain key information about Pakistani prisoners within their jurisdictions in order to provide necessary consular assistance. Over 12,000 Pakistanis are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, followed by over 5,000 in the United Arab Emirates.
Among the nearly 400 Pakistanis imprisoned in China, most have been convicted in cases related to drug smuggling, rape, robbery, murder, and counterfeit currency. In Bahrain, 450 Pakistanis have been convicted on charges of drug smuggling, drug possession, and fraud.
Afghanistan has convicted 88 Pakistanis for illegal stay and security-related crimes. In Qatar, 338 Pakistanis have been convicted of theft, murder, drug offenses, money laundering, rape, and financial fraud.
Oman has convicted 309 Pakistanis for drug smuggling, murder, robbery, and sexual assault, while Malaysia has convicted 255 Pakistanis for similar crimes, as well as for illegal entry.
