A significant operation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport has exposed an organized beggary scheme linked to Saudi Arabia. Gul Shana, a woman from Kashmore, was arrested upon her arrival from Saudi Arabia on flight XY313. Her case has brought attention to the exploitation of religious pilgrimages for illegal activities.
Pretending to Perform Umrah
Gul Shana had traveled to Saudi Arabia on September 7, 2023, using an Umrah visa issued for religious pilgrimage. However, during questioning upon her return, she revealed she did not perform Umrah or participate in any related rituals. Shana’s lack of knowledge regarding the procedures raised red flags with FIA officials at the immigration counter.
Read More: Stricter security measures announced at Karachi Airport following …
Confessions of Beggary
During interrogation, Shana admitted to begging around Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for over two and a half months. She confessed to collecting an average of 100 Saudi Riyals daily, sometimes earning double. Shana explained she stayed with her sister, who resides in Saudi Arabia, and joined a network of individuals engaged in similar illegal activities. Her disclosures included shocking revelations about the participation of her husband and other relatives in the same beggary scheme.
Exploiting Holy Sites for Profit
Shana’s revelations shed light on a troubling trend of exploiting sacred places for financial gain. While stationed near one of Islam’s holiest sites, she observed many others engaged in beggary rather than religious devotion. This disturbing practice is a stark violation of the sanctity of such sites and highlights a larger issue of organized exploitation under the guise of pilgrimage.
Ongoing Investigations
The FIA has transferred Shana to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further investigation. Efforts are underway to determine the extent of her husband’s involvement and the broader network’s operations. Officials are examining how such individuals manage to obtain visas and evade detection while engaging in illegal activities abroad.
Previous Drug Bust at Karachi Airport
In a separate incident at Jinnah International Airport, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) foiled an attempt to smuggle cocaine into Pakistan. A Brazilian woman arriving on a flight from Brazil was caught with 1.396 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her undergarments. The value of the seized drugs was estimated at over Rs13.9 million.
Crackdown on Illegal Activities
These incidents highlight the increasing vigilance of Pakistani authorities in tackling illegal activities at entry points. While the ANF continues its operations against drug trafficking networks, including smuggling attempts in educational institutions, the FIA’s actions against human trafficking and related crimes demonstrate a comprehensive effort to maintain law and order.
Rising Challenges for Authorities
The rise in cases of human trafficking, drug smuggling, and now beggary disguised as religious activities presents a growing challenge for authorities. Organized networks exploit the systems and sanctity of institutions for illicit purposes, requiring enhanced coordination between domestic and international agencies.
Read More: New Saudi airline Flyadeal expected to start operations in Pakistan
Both Shana and the Brazilian woman face legal actions under the relevant laws. These arrests serve as reminders of the vigilance required to combat evolving methods of criminal networks. Pakistani authorities remain committed to disrupting these operations and protecting the integrity of religious and social practices.