Pakistan interior minister briefs Saudi envoy on crackdown against ‘begging mafia’ abroad

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (left) calls on Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 30, 2025. (Interior Ministry)
Short Url
  • Interior minister says Pakistan has adopted a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ toward such individuals
  • Last year, the country added over 4,000 individuals accused of begging abroad to a no-fly list

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday a sweeping crackdown was underway against a “beggar mafia” accused of exploiting visas to solicit money in ֱ, a practice officials warn is damaging the country’s image and could affect genuine visa-seekers, including religious pilgrims.

The practice has drawn complaints from Riyadh in the past, prompting the administration in Islamabad to direct the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take measures to curb the trend.

Last year, Pakistan said it had added more than 4,000 individuals accused of abusing visas for begging to a no-fly list.

“‎Mohsin Naqvi stated that a comprehensive crackdown is being carried out against the mafia involved in begging in ֱ,” said a statement released after his meeting with the Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. “A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against the beggar mafia.”

During his visit to the Saudi embassy in Islamabad, the minister also praised Riyadh’s role in supporting Pakistan, including during the military standoff with India in May.

“ֱ has always stood firmly by Pakistan both in times of war or peace, and the relations between Pakistan and ֱ have withstood every test,” he said.

The statement added the Saudi ambassador also described Pakistan as a “brotherly and friendly country,” adding that Riyadh attached great importance to the relationship.

Pakistanis make up the second-largest expatriate community in ֱ, with more than 2.5 million living and working there.

The Kingdom is the top source of remittances for the South Asian nation, whose struggling economy relies heavily on foreign inflows.