Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed in a National Assembly session that 10,279 Pakistani citizens are currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on various charges. Dar stated that there are no obstacles to the repatriation of these prisoners and that Saudi Arabia has agreed to the transfer of 570 prisoners back to Pakistan under a prisoner transfer agreement.
During the question period, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the Foreign Ministry, responding to queries, clarified that no Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country has issued instructions to restrict visa issuance for Pakistani citizens. The ministry also confirmed it has received no such information from any GCC state.
Dar acknowledged that some countries have expressed concerns about Pakistani citizens involved in begging, forgery, drug smuggling, and political activities. He stated that the Overseas Ministry and the Interior Ministry are working together to address these concerns.
The session also detailed the situation of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia, with Dar specifying the number at 10,279. He explained that emergency travel documents are provided to prisoners who have completed their sentences but whose passports have expired.
Furthermore, he noted that the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia often assists with paying fines for those completing their sentences.
Dar emphasized that there are no impediments to the return of prisoners to Pakistan, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s agreement to transfer 570 prisoners under a repatriation agreement. The government’s statement indicates a concerted effort to address the issue of Pakistani prisoners abroad and facilitate their return home.
