Pakistan vows crackdown on beggar mafia operating in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has assured Saudi Arabia of a comprehensive crackdown on networks involved in sending beggars to the Kingdom, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday, according to Radio Pakistan.

The assurance came during a meeting between the interior minister and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malki in Islamabad.

Naqvi reiterated that the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against the beggar mafia exploiting Pakistanis abroad.

He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its “sincere, brotherly and effective role” during Pakistan-India tensions, saying Riyadh has always stood by Pakistan in times of war and peace.

For his part, the Saudi envoy said Riyadh attaches great importance to its ties with Pakistan, describing it as a brotherly and friendly nation.