SHC seeks FIA response on beggars going to Saudi Arabia under Umrah cover

The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and others in response to a travel agent’s plea to dismiss a case accusing him of sending beggars to Saudi Arabia under the pretext of performing Umrah.

A two-member bench, led by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, heard the plea from a Multan-based travel agent, Muhammad Atta, who sought to have the case against him dismissed.

The court asked what charges had been brought against the petitioner.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the FIA had filed a case against Muhammad Atta, alleging that he sent individuals to Saudi Arabia not for Umrah but for begging.

The travel agent has been accused of arranging visas for five beggars.

The lawyer contended that while Muhammad Atta could book tickets, it was not his responsibility to secure visas.

Two cases were registered against him in Multan, from which he was acquitted. He is now seeking the dismissal of the case registered in Karachi.

The court has issued notices to the FIA and other parties, requesting a response.

Riyadh warns Pakistani beggars could disrupt Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

Earlier this month, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj raised alarms regarding the increasing number of Pakistani beggars entering Saudi Arabia under Umrah visas, warning that this issue could disrupt the experience for genuine Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

Riyadh communicated these concerns to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging immediate action to curb the practice.

In response, Pakistani authorities proposed introducing an "Umrah Act" to regulate travel agencies involved in Umrah trips, ensuring stricter oversight and legal accountability.

In a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, the Pakistani government pledged to take serious measures against the networks sending beggars to Saudi Arabia under the guise of religious pilgrimage.

Mohsin assured the Saudi envoy that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would crack down on these mafias, which were tarnishing Pakistan’s international image.

The FIA has since been actively involved in targeting these groups, making several arrests related to this illegal activity.

Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency had offloaded 11 alleged beggars from a Saudi-bound flight at Karachi airport.

During interrogation, these individuals admitted that they were traveling to Saudi Arabia with the intent of begging.

The increasing involvement of Pakistani beggars in such activities had already led Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, to voice concerns about the behaviour and ethics of overseas Pakistanis, which was impacting the country’s reputation abroad.