Pakistan has pledged to take decisive action against professional beggars and the mafias facilitating their travel to Saudi Arabia, following concerns raised by the kingdom.
The assurance came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki in Islamabad on Friday.
The two officials discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the need to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi relations. Minister Naqvi underscored the deep respect Pakistan has for Saudi Arabia, highlighting the kingdom’s consistent support in challenging times.
Naqvi underscored that a nationwide crackdown would be launched against organised groups sending beggars to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging that such activities are harming Pakistan’s international image. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been instructed to intensify operations against those involved.
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The Saudi Ambassador expressed Saudi Arabia’s view of its relationship with Pakistan as one based on brotherhood.
This assurance comes in the wake of recent operations by the FIA in Multan, where four travel agents were arrested for their involvement in sending people to Saudi Arabia for begging. The agents, identified as Sadiq Hussain, Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, and Ghulam Yaseen, were taken into custody as part of the ongoing crackdown.
