LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Friday that 9,476 Pakistanis were imprisoned in foreign jails.
A representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the statement before LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah who was hearing a petition filed by Asma Shafi and others against non-provision of aid to imprisoned Pakistanis in Gulf countries.
The representative, who appeared in response to court directions, further submitted that these figures were obtained from the governments of those countries through official correspondence.
He also briefed the court about developments in preparation of consular protection policy and steps taken for legal aid of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad.
Sarah Bilal Advocate, representing the petitioners, argued that Pakistan lacks a codified policy on consular support for its citizens imprisoned abroad. She said that the guidelines previously submitted by the ministry could not be taken as comprehensive policy of consular protection.
She submitted that under Article 4 of the Constitution, the government was duty bound to protect the life and due process rights of its citizens at home and abroad.
However, the court adjourning the matter till January 20 directed the ministry to take necessary steps regarding the protection policy and submit progress report in that regard, on next date of hearing.
The petitioners through their petition questioned lack of support and attention provided by the government to Pakistanis who were facing the punishments in the Gulf countries.
The petitioners pleaded with the court to direct government to provide support to those Pakistanis currently in jail in Gulf countries and facing imminent execution.
Meanwhile, the court also heard the petition filed by Sultana Noon regarding the Pakistanis detained in Bagram.
In response to court query, the representative of the ministry submitted that 133 Pakistanis were detained in various jails of Afghanistan.
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