Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained ten people at Karachi Airport on Saturday, accusing them of planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging under the guise of performing Umrah.
The group included seven women, as well as an agent suspected of organising the trip, the FIA said in a statement.
Among those arrested were Muhammad Nawaz, Rahmatullah, Nizamuddin, Sugra Khatoon, Hazira Khatoon, Imam Zadi, Marvi Khatoon, Mai Amiran, Zareena, and Mai Khanal.
The detainees, reportedly from Rahim Yar Khan, Tando Allahyar, and Sukkur, allegedly planned to fly to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.
According to initial investigations, Nawaz, who presented himself as a relative of the other detainees, is believed to have been coordinating travel arrangements and handling documents for the group.
The FIA reported that the detainees, lacking knowledge of Umrah rituals and necessary accommodation bookings, were unable to provide relevant documents and possessed no funds for travel expenses.
The suspects have been transferred to the FIA’s Anti-Human Smuggling Circle in Karachi for further legal action as the investigation continues.
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