The federal government announced its intention on Sunday to nullify the passports of more than 2,000 individuals caught engaging in begging overseas.
The Ministry of External Affairs has been tasked with gathering detailed information about these individuals, compiling lists from Pakistani diplomatic missions worldwide. According to official sources, the passports of those involved in begging abroad will be invalidated for a period of seven years.
Government officials emphasized that begging in foreign countries not only reflects poorly on Pakistan but also undermines the dignity of its citizens. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior stated, “Beggars traveling abroad bring disgrace to the nation,” highlighting the urgency for decisive action.
Furthermore, the government plans to cancel the passports of agents who facilitate individuals in engaging in begging activities abroad. It has been noted that a significant number of beggars travel to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq under the guise of religious pilgrimage or Umrah, subsequently resorting to begging.
Efforts are underway to formulate a coordinated policy between the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of External Affairs to address this issue comprehensively. The objective is to prevent individuals from exploiting religious travel visas for illicit activities like begging.
The collection of data on individuals involved in begging abroad marks a crucial first step towards implementing effective measures. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to upholding Pakistan’s reputation and safeguarding the dignity of its citizens on the global stage.
