More than 21,600 Pakistanis are currently imprisoned in foreign countries, according to a written statement by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar presented in the National Assembly.
The detainees face charges ranging from immigration violations to drug-related offences, while thousands remain on trial abroad. India is holding 738 Pakistanis, though the authorities have not shared details of the charges.
Saudi Arabia has the most significant number, with 10,745 Pakistanis detained, primarily for illegal border crossings and drug cases, some serving sentences and others still on trial. The United States currently holds 141 Pakistani nationals.
In the United Arab Emirates, 5,297 Pakistanis are imprisoned, but the nature of their alleged offences has not been disclosed. China has 652 Pakistanis facing trial for issues including drug trafficking, fake currency, fraud, and immigration violations.
Other countries holding Pakistanis include Qatar with 599, Oman 578, Malaysia 444, Italy 353, Bahrain 218, Turkey 190, and Afghanistan 91. Overall, 13,078 Pakistanis are under trial abroad, while 8,569 have already been convicted in foreign courts.