Islamabad : Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), in collaboration with the Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) marked International Migrants Day 2025 with a panel discussion focused on the challenges faced by overseas Pakistani prisoners and the urgent need to strengthen and codify Pakistan’s consular protection framework.
The event brought together parliamentarians, government officials, human rights institutions, legal practitioners and civil society representatives to take stock of existing consular practices, identify systemic shortcomings and discuss the need for structured, rights-based reforms to protect Pakistani citizens beyond borders.
Opening the session, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada said, “With the help of Justice Project Pakistan and alongside parliamentarians whose support will be crucial, we want to ensure the effective passage of the Consular Protection Bill. I have prepared this draft in consultation with JPP in order to deliver consistent protection for Pakistanis detained overseas.” He expressed his hope that this serious issue would transcend partisan lines and all stakeholders would work together to address the vulnerabilities of overseas Pakistanis.
The panel featured Adil Anwar, Director General of the Legal Aid & Justice Authority (LAJA), who highlighted comparative models of cross-border legal aid, including arrangements between the Malaysian Bar and the Thai Embassy, where state support enables effective legal representation for foreign nationals. He emphasised that “LAJA could play a similar coordinating role for overseas Pakistani prisoners by building partnerships with foreign legal aid bodies and bar associations,” and noted LAJA’s willingness to train Community Welfare Attachés to better navigate local legal systems.
Khadija Akthar, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) highlighted the important role OPF plays as the main body addressing complaints by overseas Pakistanis, and stressed the need for improved public-private coordination “We are looking to partner with NGOS and CSOs that are willing to help OPF in improving protections for overseas Pakistani prisoners.”
Suleman Zeb, Advocate High Court, who represents over 100 repatriated Pakistani prisoners from Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, highlighted “Many Pakistanis detained abroad do not understand the legal process or the language of the courts, leading to an unfair trial”. He urged more empathetic and effective consular protection, as well as quality legal representation that accounts for the vulnerabilities of these Pakistanis, both at home and abroad.
As overseas remittances continue to play a critical role in Pakistan’s economy, the discussion underscored a growing gap between the country’s reliance on overseas workers and the protections available to them when they are arrested, detained or imprisoned abroad. Participants highlighted the realities faced by Pakistanis imprisoned overseas, the discussion called for renewed commitment to protecting citizens beyond borders, not only as a matter
of diplomacy, but as an expression of dignity, accountability and trust between the State and its people.
MNA Shahida Rehmani, delivering closing remarks, stated her commitment to addressing the problems faced by overseas Pakistanis in conflict with the law, underscoring that codification of protections for these vulnerable citizens was imperative.
Wrapping up the event, Haris Zaki, Team Lead Advocacy at Justice Project Pakistan, stressed
the importance of shared, ongoing commitment towards tackling this issue, thanking Senator Khanzada for his championing of this issue and expressing hope that all stakeholders
would continue to work together to realise an effective consular protection regime.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
