MULTAN: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday conducted a major operation at the Multan International Airport arresting nine alleged beggars from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims.
According to the details, the apprehended passengers were going to Saudi Arabia under the guise of Umrah but upon investigation, FIA learned that they were traveling without any hotel booking and failed to provide complete details of expenses related to Umrah, making their intentions suspicious.
The arrested include two men and seven women, hailing from Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, and Sargodha.
FIA spokesperson said that, upon thorough investigation at the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Multan, it was found that these people had been to Saudi Arabia before and their answers regarding the requirements of Umrah travel were not satisfactory.
The authority further clarified that a strict crackdown is underway against those involved in begging abroad and the passports of these passengers will be blacklisted.
Furthermore, the FIA Director General has emphasized that complete screening and profiling of Umrah pilgrims should be carried out and that they should also be verified to have the required amount of money.
