The government of Pakistan has put 4300 beggars on the no-fly list and has informed Saudi Arabia about the government’s measures against the mafia that sends beggars abroad.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood, during which he informed him about the measures taken against the mafia that sends beggars abroad.
During the meeting, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al Maliki was also present on this occasion.
The Interior Minister told the Saudi Deputy Interior Minister that the names of around 4,300 beggars have been added to the Exit Control List (ECL) by adopting a zero-tolerance policy against beggars going to Saudi Arabia.
Mohsin Naqvi said that apart from this, an effective crackdown is being ensured against the beggar mafia across the country.
He expressed his determination to ensure all possible measures for the promotion of bilateral cooperation.
Mohsin Naqvi said that there is no need for visas for Saudi citizens coming to Pakistan and they can come to Pakistan whenever they want.
He also proposed to declare Islamabad and Riyadh as twin cities while the Saudi Deputy Interior Minister agreed to it and necessary steps will be taken in this regard.
During the meeting, the two leaders also agreed to implement the prisoner exchange agreement and to complete the legal process for the repatriation of 419 Pakistani prisoners imprisoned in Saudi Arabia at the earliest.
It should be noted that last month the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) disembarked 16 alleged beggars on board a flight to Saudi Arabia disguised as Umrah pilgrims at Multan Airport.
Initially, a group of 16 people, including a child, 11 women, and 4 men, were traveling on Umrah visas, FIA said.
