In today’s interconnected world, borders are no longer a barrier to justice. Criminals can no longer hide in another country and expect immunity. That’s where extradition law comes in and in Pakistan, it’s governed by the Extradition Act, 1972. If you’re in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad and want to understand how extradition works in Pakistan, this guide breaks it down in simple language.
Whether you’re a legal researcher, a concerned citizen, or someone facing international legal complications, this blog will help you understand your rights and legal options under Pakistani extradition law.
The Extradition Act, 1972 is a federal law that governs the process of surrendering a person accused or convicted of a crime from Pakistan to another country or vice versa. This law lays out the legal structure, procedures, and treaties under which such a transfer is possible.
It enables Pakistan to either:
Request the return of an accused or convicted person hiding abroad.
Comply with another country’s request to hand over an individual staying in Pakistan.
The Extradition Act serves to.
Promote international cooperation in crime control.
Prevent Pakistan from becoming a safe haven for fugitives.
Ensure justice across borders.
Respect human rights during the extradition process.
It applies to both Pakistani nationals and foreign citizens depending on the nature of the crime and the agreement between Pakistan and the requesting state.
Pakistan has signed bilateral extradition treaties with several countries including the United Kingdom, United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey. These treaties define the terms, conditions, and limits of extradition.
Even if a treaty doesn’t exist, the Federal Government can allow extradition on a case to case basis via notification in the Official Gazette, if it deems appropriate.
Not all crimes are eligible for extradition. The Act typically applies to extraditable offences, which include.
Murder and attempted murder
Drug trafficking
Terrorism related offences
Kidnapping or abduction
Money laundering and white collar crimes
Serious fraud or embezzlement
Sexual offences
However, political offences or religious dissent often do not qualify for extradition, unless there’s concrete evidence of terrorism or violence.
Extradition may be refused under the following situations.
The accused is a citizen of Pakistan (depending on the treaty terms)
The offence is of political nature
Risk of torture or inhuman treatment
The case is time barred under Pakistani law
The accused has already been tried or is undergoing trial for the same offence in Pakistan
MAH&CO. can help individuals in such cases by filing protective petitions or constitutional challenges.
Let’s break down how extradition actually works.
The foreign government submits a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of Interior forwards the request to the Judicial Magistrate for evaluation.
The court reviews.
Validity of evidence
Legal merit of the offence
Compliance with treaty or notification terms
The individual may be arrested provisionally during this stage.
If the court finds the case valid, it sends a report to the Federal Government, which decides whether to extradite or reject the request.
If someone wants to challenge extradition, they may approach High Courts or the Supreme Court of Pakistan for relief under Articles 199 and 184 of the Constitution.
At MAH&CO., our criminal and constitutional lawyers in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad handle extradition cases with:
Confidential case evaluations
Strategic defence against unjust extradition
Liaison with foreign embassies and courts
Filing of habeas corpus petitions
Representation in High Court and Supreme Court
Whether you are facing extradition, want to stop an unlawful arrest, or need legal protection under the Constitution of Pakistan, we are here to protect your freedom.
The Extradition Act, 1972 plays a vital role in ensuring that criminals cannot escape justice by simply crossing borders. But it’s also essential that extradition doesn’t violate anyone’s fundamental rights or due process.
If you or a loved one is involved in an extradition matter, don’t wait. Let MAH&CO., a trusted law firm in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, guide you through the process with integrity and precision.