IN a recent revelation that should stir our conscience, Justice Project Pakistan disclosed that over 14,000 Pakistani citizens are languishing in prisons worldwide. It is a staggering figure that underscores a profound human rights concern and highlights how vulnerable Pakistani migrants get caught in the complex web of international legal systems. The bulk of these prisoners — 58pc — are detained in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, on charges ranging from drug offences to theft. This is more than a mere statistic; it represents thousands of individuals in despair, their stories often obscured by distance and diplomatic inertia. The situation demands reflection on multiple fronts. Firstly, there is an urgent need to address the issues that lead to such precarious situations. The Pakistani diaspora, driven by economic necessity, often falls prey to exploitation and legal entanglements in foreign lands. Secondly, the data, alarming as it is, points to a large gap in our diplomatic engagements and legal frameworks. While Pakistan has prisoner transfer agreements with countries like the UAE, the effectiveness of such arrangements is questionable, given the continuing plight of citizens abroad. The lack of access to legal rights, impartial translators, and adequate legal counsel worsens matters, often leading to disproportionately harsh punishments, including the death penalty.

JPP’s comprehensive database is a laudable step towards shedding light on this issue. It is time the government leveraged this data to formulate evidence-based policies and strengthened consular protection. Ensuring that our citizens abroad are aware of and can exercise their legal rights is not just a matter of diplomatic duty but a moral imperative. Moreover, many of these prisoners, especially those detained for drug offences, are victims themselves — coerced into trafficking. Their plight reflects a broader issue of global criminal networks exploiting the vulnerable. It calls for a holistic approach, combining legal aid, international cooperation on criminal justice, and socioeconomic steps at home to prevent such exploitation. Having recently marked International Migrant Workers’ Day, let us not forget what thousands of our compatriots face in foreign prisons. Their predicament deserves more than just a cursory acknowledgement. It demands a sustained and empathetic response from all stakeholders involved — from policymakers to diplomats, and from civil society to the international community. Their ordeal is a test of our collective conscience and resolve. Will we rise to the challenge?

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2023