Post by : Maya Rahman

The international standing of Pakistan is under scrutiny as reports reveal the involvement of its citizens in organized begging and unlawful activities overseas. Recently, nearly 24,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Saudi Arabia following their involvement in these begging operations. This alarming trend has captured worldwide interest and provoked apprehension within Pakistan regarding potential long-lasting harm to its image. Officials are concerned that these activities are not random but stem from organized networks exploiting travel options.

In addition to Saudi Arabia's actions, the United Arab Emirates has also reinforced their visa protocols for Pakistani visitors. Officials from the UAE indicated that several visa holders from Pakistan were apprehended for participation in criminal activities upon arrival. As a result, visa checks have become increasingly stringent. According to data from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan, over 66,000 travelers were flagged at airports in 2025, suspected of being part of illegal migration or begging syndicates, prompting necessary interventions to dismantle these networks.

FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar stated that these organized factions are severely tarnishing Pakistan’s international reputation. He noted that this issue extends beyond the Gulf States, with similar cases surfacing in regions of Africa and Europe. Furthermore, there have been reports of misuse of tourist visas in destinations like Cambodia and Thailand. This year alone, around 6,000 Pakistani individuals have been deported from Dubai, and nearly 2,500 have faced similar actions in Azerbaijan, heightening concerns for the government.

Tensions regarding this matter had already escalated with Saudi Arabia last year. In 2024, Saudi officials formally urged Pakistan to address the exploitation of Umrah visas for begging activities. The Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs cautioned that continued violations could lead to serious limitations on Pakistani pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj. Legal analysts in Pakistan are warning that without firm measures, the nation could confront more stringent travel bans and further deterioration of its global image.

#Global News