Over 17,000 Pakistanis detained abroad, Senate panel told

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was informed on Monday that a total of 17,236 Pakistanis were currently detained in prisons across various countries, with the majority located in the Middle East.

The committee was further informed that 85 Pakistani prisoners were held in Afghanistan; however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to provide details regarding the nature of crimes for which these individuals were detained.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada chaired the meeting to discuss the problems and issues being faced by under-trial or convicted overseas Pakistanis in different countries. Senator Nasir Mehmood recommended verification of the citizenship status of the 85 Pakistanis detained in Afghanistan.

Expressing serious displeasure over the non-provision of this critical information, the committee directed the Foreign Ministry to furnish comprehensive data on all overseas Pakistanis convicted or facing trial, including the nature of their crimes, within 15 days.

It also directed the ministry to submit a list of countries that have policies to inform Pakistani authorities about such cases, as well as those that withhold such information, for discussion in the next meeting.

Senator Khanzada directed the ministry to expedite efforts to finalise prisoner transfer agreements with various countries to facilitate the repatriation of innocent Pakistanis trapped in legal cases abroad.

Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) briefed the committee on the status of under-trial and convicted Pakistanis in their respective jurisdictions. The CWAs from Dubai, Doha, and Kuala Lumpur reported 3,523; 619; and 499 detainees, respectively.

The committee reviewed the functioning of CWAs and directed the ministry to submit the evaluation procedures for assessing their performance, along with detailed information on all convicted and under-trial Pakistanis in each jurisdiction.

Senator Shahadat Awan raised concerns over the inadequate formatting and incomplete information provided in the working papers submitted by the ministries concerned. He stressed the need for presenting complete and accurate information in a professional manner before such a prestigious forum.

The committee chairman also observed a significant lack of coordination and data sharing between the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Overseas Pakistanis. He emphasised the importance of improving inter-ministerial cooperation for the welfare of overseas citizens. Senator Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted the illegal detention of his relative Ghulam Hasnain, who had proceeded for Umrah, and urged the authorities concerned to resolve the matter on a priority basis.

He also drew attention to the difficulties faced by Pakistanis travelling to Iraq, including passport confiscations and low wages for Pakistani workers. The committee chairman stressed the urgent need for the enactment of a Consular Protection Act to safeguard the rights of Pakistani prisoners abroad and enabling them to serve their remaining sentences at homeland.

The committee was also briefed on the performance and upcoming programmes of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). Senator Khanzada appreciated the NAVTTC’s efforts and directed the commission to align its programmes with international standards to enhance overseas employment opportunities for Pakistanis.