Over 21,600 Pakistanis Imprisoned Worldwide, Foreign Minister Reveals in National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister **Ishaq Dar** has disclosed that **21,647 Pakistani citizens** are currently imprisoned in jails across the world. The revelation came through a written reply submitted to the National Assembly on Friday.

According to the minister, **India holds 738 Pakistanis**, though New Delhi has provided no details regarding the charges or circumstances of their arrests.

**Saudi Arabia tops the list** with **10,745 Pakistani detainees**, comprising both convicted prisoners and individuals with ongoing cases. In the **United Arab Emirates**, **5,297 Pakistanis** are incarcerated, though the nature of their offences has not been shared.

China currently detains **652 Pakistanis**, mostly on charges relating to **drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, fraud and illegal immigration**. Other countries with significant numbers of Pakistani detainees include:

* **Qatar: 599**
* **Oman: 578**
* **Malaysia: 444**
* **Italy: 353**
* **Bahrain: 218**
* **Türkiye: 190**
* **United States: 141**
* **Afghanistan: 91**

Overall, **13,078 Pakistanis** abroad are facing trials, while **8,569** have already been convicted.

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### **Russia Suspends Pakistan Post Services Over Unpaid Dues**

In a separate written reply, Federal Minister for Communications **Abdul Aleem Khan** informed the assembly that **Russia suspended Pakistan Post services in August 2025** due to unpaid dues amounting to **over Rs 55 million**.

Pakistan Post reportedly owes **over Rs 310 million** as of November 12, 2021. The dues will be cleared once funds are released by the Finance Division, the minister said.

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### **PTI Chairman Warns of New Crisis Over Ban on Meetings with Imran Khan**

PTI Chairman **Barrister Gohar Ali Khan** warned that restrictions on meetings with the incarcerated PTI founder could spark a new political crisis.

He appealed to authorities **not to bar the leader’s sisters from meeting him**, stressing that such restrictions violate the **Islamabad High Court’s orders**.

He urged all political actors not to politicize the matter and condemned “irresponsible statements” made by some individuals regarding prison meetings.
Gohar reiterated PTI’s commitment to **constitutionalism, rule of law, and peaceful legal struggle**.

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### **Pakistan Reaches 6,389 MW Solar Power Capacity: Power Division**

During the Question Hour, the Power Division reported that Pakistan’s **solar power generation capacity reached 6,389 MW** as of September 30, 2025.

The country now has **424,317 net-metering systems** installed nationwide.

Additionally, **80 private power producers (IPPs)** are generating **13,024 MW** from various renewable and traditional sources:

* **Hydropower (5 IPPs): 1,937 MW**
* **Solar (10 IPPs): 680 MW**
* **Wind (36 IPPs): 1,845 MW**
* **Thar Coal (5 IPPs): 3,300 MW**
* **Bagasse (9 IPPs): 291 MW**
* **Gas-based plants (15 IPPs): 4,971 MW**

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### **Assembly Proceedings Disrupted Amid Slogans and Protests**

The National Assembly session was repeatedly interrupted by loud **“Sher Sher”** slogans from treasury benches and intense protests from PTI members.

PTI lawmaker **Sibghatullah** pointed out the quorum, prompting the chair to order a headcount. The session was **adjourned for 15 minutes** after quorum was not met and later resumed.

Upon a second count, the government again failed to meet the required quorum, forcing the presiding officer to **adjourn the session until Monday at 5 PM**.