Pakistan made a major decision to save face on the international stage. Islamabad was forced to bow down under pressure from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Pakistani government imposed strict restrictions on foreign travel for those Pakistanis who want to leave the country for begging purposes and who do not have all the necessary documents. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clearly stated that those who are going abroad and damaging the country's image will not be allowed to leave under any circumstances.
Are Pakistanis migrating to beg?
According to local reports, a section of Pakistanis are relocating to various Middle Eastern countries from Pakistan on Umrah or visitor visas and engaging in begging. Several networks are operating behind this. There is a particular tendency to take Pakistani citizens to Saudi Arabia and Dubai in the UAE and make them beg. The governments of several Middle Eastern countries have also lodged strong objections with Islamabad on this matter. It was in this context that Islamabad took strict action.
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How many Pakistanis have relocated in this regard?
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency reported that approximately 66,000 Pakistani citizens have been turned back from airports this year alone on suspicion of travelling abroad for begging or such dishonest purposes. On the other hand, the Saudi Arabian and UAE administrations have sent back thousands of Pakistanis on charges of begging in their countries.
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In this situation, the Pakistani Interior Minister stated that the Pakistani government gives the highest priority to the country's dignity and passengers' comfort. Strict legal action will be taken against those who try to go abroad illegally or leave the country for begging purposes.
