FIA detains women going to Ummrah for 'begging'

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration on Tuesday arrested two female passengers at the Jinnah Terminal who were allegedly trying to travel to Saud Arabia with an intention of begging under the guise of performing Umrah.

The arrested women, identified as Patil Khatoon and Subhana, failed to provide any hotel booking documents and had no money for travel expenses. Initial investigations revealed that Subhana's son is residing illegally in Saudi Arabia. He had gone to Saudi Arabia in 2022 on an Umrah visa and did not return home within the specific period.

The FIA spokesperson has said that her son is also involved in begging. Further information is being gathered. The arrested women have been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further legal action. Recently FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir highlighted Pakistan's commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Saudi authorities have raised concerns that the growing presence of Pakistani beggars could disrupt the experiences of genuine pilgrims.