FIA stops beggars from flying abroad

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a major operation targeting beggars attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramazan, officials said.

Nearly 900 individuals from Karachi alone were stopped from boarding flights, as authorities implemented enhanced intelligence and strict screening at the city's international airport.

The crackdown comes in response to repeated deportations of Pakistani nationals by the Saudi government. Deportees are accused of using Umrah and work visas to beg, raising concerns over damage to Gulf countries' social systems and Pakistan's international reputation.

FIA Karachi Director Muntazir Mehdi said authorities reviewed multiple factors, including Saudi deportation records and travel histories, to identify potential beggars. "These individuals were repeatedly becoming a source of embarrassment for the country," he said.

To prevent exploitation, the FIA recently established facilitation desks at Karachi Airport and its Karachi zone office. These provide guidance to about 250 citizens daily, helping verify documents and avoid falling victim to fraudulent agents. "Our goal is to ensure that citizens chasing better opportunities abroad are not exploited by mafias or agents," Mehdi said.

The operation also uncovered seven gangs promising overseas employment to citizens, while millions of rupees were seized in actions against illegal remittances and hawala networks. According to the FIA, many victims of such schemes are often lured into further criminal activity under the influence of agents.

"The individuals affected are victims, but they can become involved in new crimes while attempting to leave the country," Mehdi explained. "Our job is to prevent this, protect citizens, and uphold Pakistan's reputation."

The FIA's campaign forms part of a wider strategy to combat serious crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, and illegal currency trade. Officials emphasised that every case is being investigated through legal channels, and assets linked to these networks are scrutinised by the Anti-Money Laundering Circle.

Recent operations have stabilised the Pakistani rupee by curbing illegal currency trade, while exposing the networks behind exploitation. Mehdi added, "We will not allow any Pakistani to beg abroad, endanger themselves, or compromise the nation's reputation. Those involved in exploiting citizens will face strict action."

The agency's proactive measures highlight the growing emphasis on both protecting vulnerable citizens and safeguarding Pakistan's standing internationally during a period when many travel for religious and professional purposes.