Pakistan Introduces Policies to Address Begging in Mecca, Medina

IQNA – Pakistan's government has introduced measures to curb begging by its nationals at the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, responding to a request from Saudi authorities to address the issue. 

According to ARY News, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has implemented strict policies requiring pilgrims traveling for Umrah to sign affidavits promising not to engage in begging.

Tour operators and agencies will also collect similar pledges from pilgrims, with violators facing severe legal consequences. Additionally, individual pilgrimages are now prohibited, with travel restricted to group arrangements, Middle East Monitor reported on Tuesday.

The measures come after Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj raised concerns in September, urging Islamabad to prevent individuals from entering the Kingdom under Umrah visas for the purpose of begging.

The practice has reportedly affected Pakistan's image abroad and strained relations with Saudi authorities. 

Following Riyadh's warning, Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched operations in several areas, leading to arrests, including four travel agencies accused of facilitating the practice and taking a share of the money earned by beggars. 

Source: Agencies