Over 23,000 Pakistanis Imprisoned Abroad, Most in Saudi Arabia: Foreign Ministry Reports
ISLAMABAD – A total of 23,456 Pakistani nationals are currently incarcerated overseas, with Saudi Arabia holding the highest number—12,156 prisoners, according to recent data shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the National Assembly’s question hour.
The ministry detailed ongoing governmental efforts to secure consular access and assist in the repatriation of these overseas prisoners. A written statement revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks second, detaining 5,292 Pakistani inmates.
The Ministry also emphasized that gender-disaggregated data is being compiled through Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in collaboration with host country authorities. These missions actively track and support detained Pakistani citizens, providing necessary consular services within their jurisdictions.
Country-Wise Breakdown of Pakistani Prisoners Abroad
- Saudi Arabia: 12,156 inmates
- United Arab Emirates: 5,292 inmates
- China: 400 prisoners, mostly convicted of drug smuggling, rape, robbery, murder, and counterfeit currency crimes
- Bahrain: 450 prisoners, largely convicted of drug offences and fraud
- Afghanistan: 88 individuals jailed for overstaying visas and security violations
- Qatar: 338 Pakistanis sentenced for theft, murder, narcotics, money laundering, rape, and financial fraud
- Oman: 309 inmates facing charges of drug trafficking, murder, robbery, and sexual assault
- Malaysia: 255 prisoners for illegal entry and related criminal offences
In Europe, the status of Pakistani detainees is more complex:
- Austria has 30 Pakistanis in custody for illegal entry, human trafficking, and murder, though conviction details remain unclear.
- Norway and Finland declined to disclose case specifics for three and two Pakistani prisoners, respectively.
- Switzerland has five detainees; only one has consented to consular access and was convicted of domestic violence.
- Georgia holds one Pakistani prisoner, with no further details shared.
- France and Germany have convicted 168 and 94 Pakistanis respectively, but both countries cited privacy laws in withholding offence details.
- Canada and Denmark also refused to release information due to strict data protection regulations. Canada has nine Pakistani inmates, while Denmark has 27.
In Azerbaijan, 11 of 16 Pakistani prisoners were convicted of murder, human/drug trafficking, and illegal entry, while the remaining five are undergoing trial. Similarly, Turkiye hosts 147 convicted and 161 under-trial Pakistani nationals for serious charges like drug trafficking, human trafficking, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Support for Overseas Prisoners
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Pakistani government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to assist citizens jailed abroad—especially those involved in minor offences or non-criminal matters.
The ministry affirmed that diplomatic missions regularly conduct consular visits, monitor prison conditions, ensure fair treatment of prisoners, and, where allowed, supply basic necessities in accordance with host country laws.
Published on May 19, 2025
