In recent months, Pakistan has come under intense scrutiny from international governments, particularly from Saudi Arabia, over the alarming rise of Pakistani beggars near religious sites. Begging, which has long been a problem in Pakistan, has now escalated to an international level, with beggars being sent to other countries to exploit religious pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah. This phenomenon has not only embarrassed Pakistan on the world stage but also raised serious concerns about the integrity of its citizens and the country’s governance.
In a recent high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, the issue of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia was brought to the forefront. The Saudi government issued a stark warning to Pakistan, stating that the rising number of beggars from Pakistan could disrupt the peaceful conduct of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. These beggars are often seen near holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, creating not only a nuisance but also posing security and logistical challenges.
Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested a large number of Pakistani beggars in recent months, many of whom were found begging illegally in areas reserved for pilgrims. According to Saudi officials, the growing influx of these beggars has begun to affect the overall religious experience of pilgrims, who come from all over the world to perform sacred rituals in peace and dignity. Saudi Arabia has made it clear that if the problem persists, it may impose stricter visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
The Network Behind International Beggary
Investigations by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have revealed the disturbing extent of the organized network responsible for exporting beggars to countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. According to FIA reports, professional beggars are often sent abroad through agents who charge them hefty amounts for visa processing. In many cases, these beggars enter into agreements with facilitators to share up to 50% of their earnings, in exchange for covering the travel costs and arranging the necessary documentation. In some instances, beggars paid agents as much as Rs. 185,000 (around $660) for visas and travel arrangements.
Saudi Arabia is not the only country grappling with this issue. Iran and Iraq have also raised similar concerns, with many Pakistani beggars being arrested near religious sites in Karbala and Najaf. Diplomats from these countries have frequently expressed their frustration with Pakistani authorities, noting that their prisons are becoming overcrowded with Pakistani nationals detained for begging.
The involvement of Pakistani citizens in international beggary is a source of immense shame for the country. With over 90% of professional beggars arrested in Middle Eastern countries hailing from Pakistan, the problem is not only domestic but now has international ramifications. The spread of this illicit activity has drawn criticism from various countries, bringing Pakistan’s global image into question.
The reputation of Pakistan has been severely damaged, with foreign governments now associating the country with organized begging mafias. The embarrassment is particularly acute when considering the fact that these beggars are often sent to religious sites, further tarnishing the nation’s standing in the Muslim world. The issue of Pakistani beggars in sacred places like Makkah, Madinah, Karbala, and Najaf is not just a matter of law and order but also one of morality and religious integrity.
Legal Framework
In Pakistan, begging is illegal under the Vagrancy Ordinance of 1958, which allows authorities to imprison beggars or parents of children who beg for up to three years. Despite this law, beggary remains widespread, particularly in urban areas where professional begging syndicates exploit the system. These syndicates often send beggars abroad, taking advantage of the fact that many countries, particularly in the Gulf region, issue visas to Pakistanis with relative ease.
The lack of enforcement of the Vagrancy Ordinance has led to the proliferation of beggars across Pakistan, and now, beyond its borders. Pakistani authorities have struggled to dismantle the well-organized networks that recruit, train, and send beggars overseas. These networks have become increasingly sophisticated, often exploiting religious pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah as opportunities for begging.
The number of Pakistani beggars arrested abroad has skyrocketed in recent years. According to data shared with the Senate, over 90% of professional beggars arrested in Middle Eastern countries are from Pakistan. In Saudi Arabia alone, hundreds of Pakistani beggars have been detained in recent months, many of whom were found begging near the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. The problem has grown so severe that Saudi authorities have had to increase patrols and security around these sacred sites, specifically to deter beggars from exploiting religious pilgrims.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, countries like Iran and Iraq have also reported a surge in the number of Pakistani beggars being arrested. Iranian officials have expressed their frustration with the growing number of Pakistani beggars near religious shrines in Qom and Mashhad, while Iraqi authorities have detained dozens of Pakistani nationals near the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.
In response to the growing diplomatic pressure, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has vowed to take action against the begging mafias responsible for sending people abroad. During his meeting with the Saudi ambassador, Naqvi assured the envoy that strict measures would be implemented to dismantle these networks and prevent Pakistani beggars from entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah or Hajj visas. The FIA has also been tasked with cracking down on agents and facilitators who arrange visas and travel for professional beggars.
However, despite these promises, the problem persists. Many critics argue that the Pakistani government’s efforts have been too little, too late. The organized nature of these begging syndicates, combined with the lack of strict enforcement of existing laws, has allowed the problem to spiral out of control.
The rise of international beggary involving Pakistani nationals is a stain on the country’s global image. Not only does it embarrass Pakistan on the world stage, but it also threatens to strain diplomatic relations with key allies like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. If left unchecked, this issue could result in stricter visa regulations for Pakistani citizens, particularly for those traveling to perform religious pilgrimages. It is imperative that Pakistan takes swift and decisive action to dismantle the begging mafias, enforce its existing laws, and restore its international reputation.
This issue is not just one of law and order, but also a matter of national dignity. For Pakistan to regain the trust of its international partners, it must act now to eliminate this scourge and ensure that its citizens are not exploiting sacred religious sites for personal gain.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
