FIA arrests 10 ‘beggars’ from Karachi Airport traveling to Saudi Arabia

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a major operation at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, arresting ten alleged beggars from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight in the disguise of Umrah pilgrims.

According to the details, the FIA immigration officials apprehended seven female and three male passengers who were going to Saudi Arabia under the guise of Umrah.

Upon investigation from officials, it was revealed that they were traveling without any hotel booking and failed to provide complete details of expenses related to Umrah.

The government has implemented measures to stop Pakistanis disguised in Umrah Pilgrim from begging in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh’s recent request to Islamabad to tackle the issue.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to take several strict measures against the beggars, including making Umrah pilgrims sign an affidavit before departing for Saudi Arabia, in which they promise not to beg.

The affidavits will be mandatory for the pilgrim to sign and those who violate the affidavit will face severe legal action. In addition, pilgrims will only be allowed to travel in groups and not individually.