Saudi Arabia Calls for Action Against Pakistani Beggars Posing as Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has called on Pakistan to take measures against the increasing number of beggars entering the Kingdom under the guise of religious pilgrimage. In response, Pakistan plans to introduce an 'Umrah Act' to regulate travel agencies and prevent misuse. The Federal Investigation Agency has been tasked to crack down on involved mafias.

Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the growing number of Pakistani beggars entering the Kingdom under the guise of religious pilgrimage, urging Islamabad to take immediate action, a media report revealed on Tuesday.

According to Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs, as cited by the Express Tribune newspaper, Saudi authorities have warned that unchecked influx could impact Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims adversely.

In response, Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs announced plans to introduce an 'Umrah Act' aimed at regulating travel agencies and preventing such misuse. The ministry also sought government intervention to curb this issue. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that stringent measures would be implemented against the mafia responsible for sending beggars.

(With inputs from agencies.)