Pakistan’s government has introduced measures to address the issue of its nationals begging in Saudi Arabia’s Islamic holy sites, following a request from Riyadh to tackle the problem.
According to ARY News, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs will require Umrah pilgrims to sign affidavits pledging not to beg during their pilgrimage. Tour operators must also collect these affidavits, with violators facing strict legal consequences. Additionally, pilgrims will now be required to travel in groups rather than individually.
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These measures aim to curb the persistent problem of begging by some Pakistani nationals in Makkah and Madinah, which Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj highlighted in September, urging Islamabad to take preventive action. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has since arrested individuals and travel agencies allegedly involved in sending citizens to Saudi Arabia to beg, profiting from their earnings.
Saudi authorities have ramped up monitoring efforts in Makkah and Madinah, enforcing new penalties for begging in these sacred areas. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested individuals and travel agencies accused of facilitating begging, while Saudi Arabia continues to tighten security and streamline pilgrim registration processes to address the issue.
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These coordinated efforts are intended to preserve the sanctity of the holy sites and safeguard the reputation of both countries.