Over 23,000 Pakistanis Imprisoned Abroad, Majority Held in Saudi Arabia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Islamabad, May 19, 2025 — A total of 23,456 Pakistani nationals are currently incarcerated overseas, with the largest number — 12,156 prisoners — held in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the National Assembly during a recent question hour session.
The ministry further revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) houses the second-highest number of Pakistani inmates, totaling 5,292. The government is actively working through its diplomatic missions to secure consular access and facilitate repatriation efforts for imprisoned Pakistanis.
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Country-Wise Breakdown of Pakistani Prisoners Abroad
- China: Approximately 400 Pakistanis, mostly convicted of drug smuggling, rape, robbery, murder, and counterfeit currency offenses.
- Bahrain: Around 450 prisoners, primarily convicted for drug trafficking, possession, and fraud.
- Afghanistan: 88 Pakistanis convicted for overstay and security-related offenses.
- Qatar: 338 inmates serving sentences for theft, murder, narcotics, money laundering, rape, and financial fraud.
- Oman: 309 prisoners convicted of drug trafficking, murder, robbery, and sexual assault.
- Malaysia: 255 inmates, mostly for illegal entry and similar crimes.
Several European countries, including Austria, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, Canada, and Denmark, have Pakistani prisoners but either did not disclose details of charges or convictions citing privacy laws. For example, France and Germany have 168 and 94 convicted Pakistani inmates, respectively.
In Switzerland, out of five Pakistani prisoners, only one consented to consular access, with the individual convicted on domestic abuse charges.
Other countries holding Pakistani prisoners include:
- Azerbaijan: 16 prisoners (11 convicted for murder, human and drug trafficking; five under trial).
- Turkey: 308 Pakistanis (147 convicted, 161 under trial) for offenses such as drug and human trafficking, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Government Measures for Pakistani Prisoners Abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is compiling comprehensive gender-wise data on Pakistani inmates abroad in cooperation with host countries. Diplomatic missions maintain essential records and provide consular assistance as required.
The government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to support nationals detained overseas, especially those held for minor or non-criminal offenses. This includes:
- Regular consular visits to detention facilities.
- Verification of prisoners’ treatment and detention conditions.
- Providing essential items as permitted by host country regulations.
