ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has disclosed that a staggering 21,647 Pakistani citizens are currently incarcerated in prisons around the world. The revelation came in a written reply submitted to the National Assembly, shedding light on the scale of Pakistani nationals entangled in foreign legal systems.
According to the data, the largest concentrations are in the Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia tops the list with 10,745 Pakistanis imprisoned, followed by the United Arab Emirates (5,297). Significant numbers are also held in China (652), Qatar (599), Oman (578), Malaysia (444), and Italy (353). The breakdown indicates that 8,569 individuals have been convicted, while the cases of 13,078 are still under trial.
The report highlights specific challenges, including a lack of detailed information from Indian authorities regarding 738 Pakistani prisoners. In China, most arrests are linked to drug smuggling and counterfeit currency. Furthermore, 91 citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan.
Minister Dar stated that the government is actively working to provide consular access and legal assistance to those detained. However, he noted that political meetings with convicted prisoners are prohibited under standard prison laws. The figures underscore a pressing consular and humanitarian issue, prompting calls for enhanced efforts to support citizens abroad and address the root causes leading to such high levels of imprisonment.
Meanwhile in a seperate development Pakistan has moved to cancel a significant portion of its future liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, scrapping a total of 45 cargoes scheduled for delivery up to 2027. The decision underscores a strategic reassessment of the country’s long-term fuel needs and financial commitments.
The cancellations specifically impact long-term supply agreements with two key partners: Qatar and an Italian energy supplier. According to the details, Pakistan has canceled all 24 LNG cargoes that were contracted from Qatar for the year 2026.
The reduction from Italy is even more pronounced: instead of the 12 cargoes planned for 2026, only a single shipment arriving in January 2026 will now proceed. For 2027, 10 out of 12 contracted Italian cargoes have also been canceled.
These adjustments pertain specifically to cargoes under Pakistan’s binding long-term LNG purchase agreements, indicating a formal renegotiation or contractual shift rather than a change in spot market purchasing.
