The Pakistani government has decided to implement a strict Umrah policy to address the rising issue of begging by its citizens in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to protect Pakistan’s image in the holy land and prevent the exploitation of pilgrims by begging mafias operating in the region.
As part of the new measures, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will require all pilgrims to sign an affidavit before departing for Umrah, pledging not to engage in begging. Any individual found violating this pledge will face stringent legal action. The policy also mandates that Umrah pilgrims must travel in groups, not individually, to ensure greater accountability and minimize the risk of begging.
To enforce these measures, travel agencies will also be required to obtain affidavits from pilgrims. This makes the tour operators complicit in ensuring that their clients adhere to the rules. These policies are expected to discourage individuals from engaging in begging, as they will be held accountable by both the authorities and their travel companions.
This crackdown follows several efforts by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which recently arrested four travel agents in Multan for allegedly sending citizens to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of begging. The FIA revealed that these agents were organizing trips for individuals who would beg on the streets of Saudi Arabia, with the agents taking a cut of the money earned. The arrests were based on information provided by previous detainees involved in similar activities.
The government’s action comes in response to growing concerns that the widespread issue of begging is tarnishing Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, and the new measures are seen as a decisive step to restore Pakistan’s reputation and curb the exploitation of pilgrims during their spiritual journey.
ARY NEWS, REUTERS, DAWN NEWS, SAMAA NEWS, GEO NEWS
