SHIWANI NAILWAL/VOIWORLD
In Pakistan, the Federal Investigation Agency has removed 16 accused beggars from a flight to Saudi Arabia. The incident took place at the Multan airport earlier this week when the Pakistan FIA deplaned 16 accused beggars who were posing as Umrah pilgrims off a flight heading for Saudi Arabia. According to the FIA, the 16-person group, which included a kid, 11 women, and 4 men, was initially travelling on Umrah visas. The Pakistan FIA confirmed the incident by posting the pictures of deplaned passengers on social media platform-X.
According to a report by the Dawn, FIA authorities interrogated passengers when they were going through immigration. The passengers said they were traveling to Saudi Arabia to seek alms. They also disclosed that the agents handling their trip arrangements would receive a half of the money they made through begging . When their permits for the Umrah expired, they were to return to Pakistan.
Reports say, the passengers were detained by the FIA Multan Circle for additional investigation and possible legal action. A day before the arrests took place, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development had informed the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a large portion of beggars are moved abroad through clandestine means. The Ministry’s Secretary informed the Senate investigation that a startling 90% of beggars apprehended abroad are Pakistani nationals.
The Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors also indicated that these arrests have resulted in overcrowded jails, according to The Dawn.
