More than 21,600 Pakistani nationals are currently imprisoned in jails around the world, according to a written statement presented by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in the National Assembly. The minister revealed that these individuals face a range of charges, from immigration violations to drug-related offences, with thousands still awaiting trial.
Dar reported that 738 Pakistanis are detained in India, but authorities there have not provided any information regarding the nature of the charges against them. The highest number of detainees is in Saudi Arabia, where 10,745 Pakistanis are held, largely over illegal border entry and drug offences. A significant portion of these detainees have already been convicted, while many others remain under trial.
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The foreign minister also confirmed that 141 Pakistanis are in U.S. custody in various legal cases.
Government data further shows that 5,297 Pakistanis are imprisoned in the UAE, although details about their alleged crimes have not been disclosed. In China, 652 Pakistani nationals are facing cases related to drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, fraud, and immigration violations.
Other countries detaining Pakistani citizens include:
- Qatar: 599
- Oman: 578
- Malaysia: 444
- Italy: 353
- Bahrain: 218
- Turkiye: 190
- Afghanistan: 91
The parliament was informed that out of the total number of Pakistanis detained abroad, 13,078 are under trial, while 8,569 have been convicted by foreign courts.
