The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has issued a stern warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs about the rising issue of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia. These individuals are entering the kingdom under Umrah visas. Sources indicate that Saudi authorities are increasingly concerned about the growing number of beggars arriving for religious pilgrimages. They warned that if this trend continues, it could negatively impact the experience of Pakistani pilgrims undertaking Umrah and Hajj.
In response to these concerns, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to introduce an “Umrah Act.” This legislation aims to regulate travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips, placing them under legal oversight. The ministry hopes this will ensure only genuine pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, they have contacted the Pakistani government to explore further measures to prevent beggars from masquerading as religious pilgrims.
Strict Measures
Earlier, during a significant meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that strict measures would be taken against the mafias sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. This commitment underscores Pakistan’s intention to maintain its reputation and uphold the sanctity of religious practices.
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To tackle this issue directly, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with cracking down on the network facilitating this illegal activity. Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that this network harms Pakistan’s image abroad. The FIA’s efforts are crucial in addressing these concerns and aim to restore trust between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, raised the issue during a recent Senate Standing Committee meeting. He pointed out that several Gulf countries have expressed concerns about the behavior of overseas Pakistanis, particularly regarding work ethics and criminal activities. Such issues tarnish the reputation of Pakistani workers in the region, leading to increased scrutiny from Gulf employers and authorities.
Crackdown on the Mafias
The FIA has been directed to intensify its crackdown on the mafias sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. A month ago, the FIA offloaded 11 alleged beggars from a flight bound for Saudi Arabia at Karachi airport. During the immigration process, FIA officials questioned the passengers, who admitted their intent to beg in Saudi Arabia. These incidents highlight the seriousness of the situation and the need for effective enforcement.
Overall, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj’s warning serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan. By implementing the “Umrah Act” and targeting criminal networks, Pakistan can protect its reputation and ensure its pilgrims perform their religious duties with dignity. Swift and effective measures are necessary to prevent further complications, and all stakeholders must collaborate to restore trust and uphold the integrity of religious pilgrimages.
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