A non-governmental organization Sunday launched an interactive data webpage dedicated to Overseas Pakistani Prisoners, in commemoration of International Migrants Day.
As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of November 2023, there are 14,286 Pakistanis currently held in prisons abroad, 58% of whom are incarcerated in the United Arab Emirates (5,292) and Saudi Arabia (3,100).
Between 2010 and 2023, at least 183 Pakistanis were executed in foreign countries, with 171 individuals meeting this fate in Saudi Arabia, a substantial majority.
As a recently launched resource, the report provides cutting-edge data, disaggregated by country-specific and crime-wise statistics, equipping government officers and parliamentarians to formulate data-informed policies safeguarding the rights of Pakistani migrants, while humanising the plight of overseas Pakistani prisoners.
Majority face death penalty for drug offences
For instance, the data indicates that a significant number of migrants currently face the death penalty abroad for drug offences, and are likely victims of trafficking.
Additionally, the platform delves into the complexities of Pakistan’s Prisoner Transfer Agreements with key countries—an essential mechanism for facilitating repatriation – and underscores the importance for data transparency from relevant ministries.
Sarah Belal said, "The launch of this webpage is a key step towards evidence-based policies that are likely to ensure that overseas Pakistani prisoners are aware of their consular protection rights and legal options. By providing accessible information, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and just system, ensuring fair treatment for even the most vulnerable people imprisoned abroad."
The dataset included country-wise breakdown, crime-wise statistics, Prisoner Transfer Agreements and other Key Legislations, Consular Rights and Protection and Global Advocacy for Prisoners’ Rights.
