KARACHI – In a major operation against organized beggary, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intercepted nearly 900 Pakistani passengers at Jinnah International Airport over the last 20 days of Ramadan. These individuals were reportedly attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia under the guise of pilgrims to engage in professional begging.
Director FIA Karachi Zone, Muntazir Mehdi stated that the crackdown was initiated to curb the rising trend of individuals traveling abroad on Umrah or work visas solely to seek alms, a practice that has caused significant diplomatic embarrassment for Pakistan.
Key Highlights of the Operation
Massive Interceptions: Roughly 900 suspects were offloaded at Karachi Airport after failing to provide legitimate travel justifications. Enhanced Surveillance: An extraordinary intelligence network has been established at the international airport to scrutinize suspicious passengers. Data-Driven Screening: The FIA is using deportation records from Saudi Arabia and travel histories to identify habitual offenders. Protection Against Fraud: A dedicated facilitation desk is assisting over 250 citizens daily to protect them from fake visas and unscrupulous agents.
Safeguarding National Reputation
Director Muntazir Mehdi emphasized that the crackdown follows consistent feedback and deportation records provided by the Saudi government.
“These individuals travel on Umrah or employment visas but end up begging on the streets of Saudi Arabia. This not only disrupts the social fabric of Gulf countries but also tarnishes Pakistan’s image globally,” Mehdi stated.
Broader Action Against Human Trafficking
Beyond the airport crackdown, the FIA Karachi Zone has recently dismantled seven organized gangs involved in defrauding citizens with fake overseas job promises. Additionally, several raids against illegal currency exchange (Hundi/Hawala) resulted in the recovery of millions of rupees.
The Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing Pakistanis from falling victim to human trafficking, stating, “We will not allow our citizens to drown in the seas or be forced into beggary and crime abroad.”
