The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) decided on Thursday to put professional beggars’ passports on a blacklist as part of its ongoing campaign against supposed foreign beggars.
Director-General (DG) Mohsin Butt of the FIA stated in a statement that all airports have received a specific direction from the agency requiring them to do comprehensive inspections of all travelers departing from other countries.
The DG FIA proceeded on to clarify that about 74 individuals were offloaded from airports around the nation and sent to the organization’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circles for more inquiry.
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He continued stating that all pilgrims making the Umrah were being thoroughly screened and profiled. He continued, “Based on the travel history analysis report, Umrah pilgrims will only be permitted to depart.”
“In cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, airports are conducting thorough inspections of passengers’ personal belongings,” Butt stated.
The source further stated that beggars who travel abroad in search of alms will consequently have their passports blocked. Zulfikar Haider, the secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, voiced his displeasure with the state of affairs and his concern about the lack of action being taken to address the problem during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on September 27, which was presided over by Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar.
Haider revealed shocking information regarding the scope of the issue and how it affects Pakistanis living abroad. “A considerable number of beggars are fleeing Pakistan, frequently leaving in boatloads.
Haider disclosed, “They are taking advantage of visiting visas and Umrah to deceive foreign pilgrims.”
He continued by expressing his grave concern that the increasing number of Pakistani beggars residing in prisons in Saudi Arabia and Iraq is damaging the reputation of Pakistanis overseas.
The decline of trust in Pakistanis living abroad is among this phenomenon’s most concerning features. Haider criticized the growing number of deportations caused by the growing distrust that Pakistanis face abroad.
“Saudi Arabia and Iraq are complaining that we are transferring criminals to their nations and that Pakistanis are overcrowding their prisons. Human trafficking is a severe problem, he declared.”
The organization has begun to crack down on accused foreign beggars. Earlier in October, 24 reported beggars departed from a Multan airport flight that was headed to Saudi Arabia under the pretense of Umrah pilgrims.
At first, the group—which included men and women—traveled on Umrah visas.
When the passengers were questioned by FIA authorities during the immigration process, they admitted that they were headed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to collect charity.
The travel brokers that helped plan their travels were to receive half of the beggars’ profits, according to their agreement. 90% of professional beggars arrested in the Middle East are Pakistani, according to a study submitted to the upper house of parliament, prompting the crackdown.
Pakistanis also make up the majority of pickpockets arrested from places of worship, such as Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque, which is highly respected.
