In an embarrassing situation for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the number of beggars arriving in the Kingdom from Islamabad under the pretense of religious pilgrimage. In a report, Pakistani newspaper the Express Tribune quoted sources from Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and stated that the Saudi authorities have warned Pakistan that if the situation is not controlled, there are chances that it might have a negative impact on Pakistan’s Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. “The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has issued a warning to Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging action to prevent Pakistani beggars from entering the kingdom under Umrah visas,” the report added. In response to Saudi Arabia’s concerns, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to enact an “Umrah Act” which will govern the travel agencies which are involved in facilitating the trips of Umrah and bring them under the purview of a legal framework with an oversight of government. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki and ensured that strict measures would be in place to counter the mafia sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. News agency PTI reported, “Pakistani beggars travel to the Middle East under the guise of ziarat (pilgrimage). Most people visit Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas and then indulge in begging-related activities, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada said last year.” Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been given the responsibility to crack down upon the network of beggars being sent to Saudi Arabia which Minister Mohsin said is damaging Pakistan’s image. (with inputs from PTI)
