KARACHI: During the first 20 days of Ramadan, over 900 Pakistanis were caught trying to travel to Saudi Arabia to beg, according to FIA Karachi Zone Director Muntazir Mehdi.
He stated that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had launched operations targeting individuals attempting to go abroad for begging. At Karachi Airport, strict intelligence checks and screening of suspicious travelers were carried out.
The crackdown follows reports from the Saudi government regarding repeated deportations of Pakistanis who misuse Umrah and work visas to beg, which reportedly harms Gulf countries’ social systems and damages Pakistan’s reputation.
Authorities examined multiple factors, including Saudi deportation records and travel histories, to identify potential beggars. A facilitation desk was also established to help citizens avoid fake visas and fraudulent agents, assisting over 250 people daily.
Additionally, FIA exposed seven gangs that lured citizens abroad with false promises of employment. During operations against illegal remittances and “hundi” networks, millions of rupees in currency were seized.
Director Mehdi emphasized that victims of fraud are often drawn into further crimes by agents, and Pakistanis will not be allowed to participate in begging, illegal work, or risky activities abroad.
