950 Pakistanis deported from abroad over alleged begging
Saudi Arabia accounts for most deportations
According to official data, Saudi Arabia deported 897 Pakistanis over allegations of begging. The United Arab Emirates deported 22 Pakistanis, while Iraq and Oman each deported 11.
Qatar deported five Pakistani nationals, while Bahrain and Malaysia each deported one. The figures show that Saudi Arabia accounted for the vast majority of Pakistanis sent back over such allegations during 2025-26.
49 passengers offloaded at Karachi airport
The data also revealed that 49 passengers were stopped from travelling abroad at Karachi airport on suspicion that they intended to engage in begging.
Of these passengers, 21 were travelling to Saudi Arabia, while seven were bound for Bahrain.
Five passengers each were scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, while four were heading to Oman.
Three passengers were travelling to Malaysia, while one passenger each was bound for Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Türkiye.
Passengers shifted for further investigation
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Sources said all passengers who were offloaded were shifted to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle for further investigation and possible legal action. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding their planned travel and determine whether any organised network was involved.
The action at the airport reflects increased scrutiny of passengers suspected of travelling abroad for illegal purposes. Further legal proceedings will depend on the findings of the investigations.
Concerns grow over organised networks
The deportation figures have highlighted concerns about the possible role of organised human-trafficking or facilitation networks. Such networks may allegedly arrange travel documents and other requirements for people intending to travel abroad for begging or other illegal activities.
The high number of deportations from Saudi Arabia has also drawn attention to the need for stronger preventive measures. Authorities may need to improve screening and verification procedures before passengers are allowed to leave the country.
