Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pakistan Defence Minister Links Gulf Visa Curbs to Organised Begging Networks

The remark comes alongside a UAE consulate denial of any visa ban.

Overview

  • Asif alleges profit‑driven contractors recruit children, women and people posing as disabled and send them to Gulf countries, prompting visa restrictions.
  • He claims airport and other government staff act as facilitators and beneficiaries of the illicit departures.
  • The minister shared a video by social worker Zafar Abbas featuring a Karachi child who said he and his brothers earn Rs10,000–12,000 weekly from begging and recently bought a house.
  • Official figures cited in recent briefings say the FIA off‑loaded 66,154 passengers last year and that about 56,000 Pakistanis tied to organised begging were deported from Saudi Arabia.
  • Asif says many operators base out of South Punjab and Sialkot, where police action has reduced but not ended visible networks.