20,000 Pakistanis currently imprisoned across 88 countries. A startling new report reveals that over 20,000 Pakistanis are currently imprisoned in 88 countries worldwide, highlighting the serious challenges faced by expatriates who often seek better opportunities abroad.
This significant number underscores a troubling pattern: many Pakistani emigrants, who are vital contributors to their home country’s economy through foreign remittances, find themselves entangled in legal difficulties in foreign lands.
The majority of these detainees are located in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with 5,292 and 10,432 individuals respectively, making up approximately 74% of the total. The report also notes notable numbers in Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Oman, with 463, 321, and 578 inmates respectively. Other countries with Pakistani prisoners include Turkey, Bahrain, Greece, China, the United States, and Germany.
Many of these imprisoned individuals face severe challenges due to limited access to proper legal representation, impartial translators, and support from Pakistani embassies. The lack of understanding of the local legal processes and language barriers often lead to harsh sentences and inadequate defense.
A particularly concerning aspect of the report is the 68 Pakistani nationals facing the death penalty, convicted of serious crimes including terrorism, murder, and drug trafficking. This figure highlights the urgent need for better legal support and representation for Pakistanis abroad.
The report sheds light on the broader issue of legal struggles faced by expatriates and underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure that Pakistani nationals abroad receive fair treatment and appropriate assistance in navigating foreign legal systems.
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