Over 21,000 Pakistanis Imprisoned in 61 Countries, Govt Says

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 23,456 Pakistani citizens are currently incarcerated in over 60 countries worldwide, including 15,587 convicts and 7,869 under-trial detainees, as disclosed before the Senate Human Rights Committee. The largest concentrations are in Saudi Arabia (12,156) and the UAE (5,292), followed by significant numbers in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia, Greece, India, China, and Turkey. The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan’s duty under international law to ensure consular access, due process, and repatriation where applicable, while urging the finalization of a uniform Consular Protection Policy and expansion of Prisoner Transfer Agreements.

• Total Incarcerated Worldwide: 23,456

• Breakdown: 15,587 convicted; 7,869 under trial

• Saudi Arabia: 12,156 Pakistanis imprisoned

• UAE: 5,292 inmates

• Other Countries:

• Oman (309), Qatar (338), Malaysia (463)

• Greece (811), UK (321), Turkey (387), Bahrain (371)

• India (706), China (400), and more

Consular Protection & Human Rights

Justice Shah and the NCHR stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to implement a uniform Consular Protection Policy to assist detainees in accessing legal counsel, unbiased translators, and fair judicial proceedings. 

Death Row & Vulnerable Cases

Among the prisoners, 68 Pakistanis are on death row across 10 countries, typically convicted of terrorism, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Many face harsh verdicts without sufficient legal aid.

Repatriation Framework

Saudi Arabia has agreed to repatriate 570 prisoners under bilateral transfer accords. Pakistan provides emergency travel documentation and covers fines for released individuals.

• In 2023–24, the number stood at over 20,000 across 88 countries, with most detainees in Gulf states. 68 were on death row.

• Justice Shah reaffirmed that repatriation and consular access remain primary national obligations.

A large share of those imprisoned are low-wage laborers or undocumented migrants in GCC states. Many lacked legal clarity and risked deportation, visa overstays, or possession charges.

Pakistanis jailed overseas often struggle with language barriers, the inability to present Pakistani evidence in courts abroad, and no access to impartial legal counsel.

Reddit discussions highlight patterns: human trafficking rings lure Pakistani citizens into drug smuggling or illegal entry, leading to disproportionately severe sentencing and conflation with criminal syndicates.

Waleed Iqbal led the Senate panel urging the Foreign Office and the Interior Ministry to publish details of Prisoner Transfer Agreements, ensure consular visits, and establish transparent protocols.

Pakistan currently maintains 11 active prisoner transfer agreements covering countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Turkey, China, and Sri Lanka. Yet, many detainees remain unaware of their rights.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah called for a pro-migrant policy aligned with Pakistan’s constitutional protections and international obligations, emphasizing procedural fairness for detained nationals abroad.

The staggering count of over 23,000 Pakistanis imprisoned overseas reflects urgent diplomatic and humanitarian concerns. Many are detained for administrative immigration breaches or drug charges, with limited access to legal assistance or consular networks. The government’s steps—like expanding prisoner transfer accords, so-called consular protection policy, and outreach to victims—will be essential for safeguarding citizen welfare abroad.