The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has revealed a concerning figure: 21,406 Pakistanis are currently imprisoned in 61 countries around the world. The data was shared in an official report made public this week.
However, the report also highlighted gaps. 14 Pakistani embassies have not submitted complete information yet, meaning the actual number could be even higher.
Pakistanis Imprisoned Abroad 2025: Saudi Arabia Tops the List
According to the available data, Saudi Arabia holds the highest number of Pakistani prisoners, with 10,423 individuals behind bars. The United Arab Emirates follows with 5,297, and Turkey ranks third with 1,437.
Other countries with high numbers of Pakistani inmates include:
- India – 738
- Oman – 578
- Malaysia – 463
- Qatar – 422
- Sri Lanka – 112
- Afghanistan – 85
- South Africa – 75
Even countries with smaller Pakistani communities reported cases. The United States has 65, including the well-known case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, while the UK has 23, Australia 27, and Spain 42.
Meanwhile, some countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ghana, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Rwanda, Senegal, and Singapore reported no Pakistani prisoners at all.
The Ministry also noted a tragic trend. In many cases, especially in Saudi Arabia, Pakistani citizens remain jailed simply because they cannot afford to pay fines.
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France did not share any data, citing privacy laws, while Japan reported 16 prisoners, but withheld details on six of them.
The Pakistanis imprisoned abroad 2025 report has raised serious questions about legal assistance, embassy support, and financial aid for those serving time, especially for minor offenses or non-payment of fines.
