Over 21,000 Pakistanis imprisoned in 72 countries

A total of 21,647 Pakistani nationals are being held in prisons in at least 72 countries around the world. The figure emerged from a written reply submitted by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry during the question-and-answer session of the National Assembly on Monday (October 19), according to Pakistani media reports.

The United Arab Emirates holds the largest number of imprisoned Pakistanis, with 5,297 held in various prisons there. Saudi Arabia ranks second, with 4,775 detainees.

In addition, 738 Pakistani nationals are imprisoned in India. The information was provided in response to a question raised in the National Assembly about Pakistanis held in foreign prisons.

According to the Foreign Ministry, 8,569 of the citizens detained abroad have been sentenced, while more than 13,000 others are facing trial in courts of various countries.

The Pakistani nationals are being held on a range of charges, including drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking and the use of forged documents. However, no detailed breakdown has been released of how many people face which charges in each country.

The figures presented in the National Assembly highlight the situation of Pakistani citizens detained abroad. The legal status, trial proceedings and sentences of these prisoners are being determined under the laws of the respective countries.