Beggars in Madinah harass pilgrim for alms

A video circulating online showed a group of beggar women surrounding a pilgrim in Madinah, attempting to solicit alms from her.

The clip, widely shared online, claimed the beggars were from Pakistan. As the pilgrim attempted to leave, they persistently blocked her path, making it difficult for her to move.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with users demanding strict action from the government to prevent such individuals from traveling abroad, citing concerns over the country's reputation.

Read: 'Pakistani beggars deported even from poor country like Ethiopia,' reveals FIA official

It is worth noting that last year, Saudi authorities urged Pakistan to take strict action against beggars entering the Kingdom and desecrating sacred sites.

Many of them were also reported to be involved in criminal activities, prompting concerns over public safety and the country’s image.

Every year, several Pakistanis are deported from Saudi Arabia for various reasons, including fraudulent documentation, overstaying visas, and engaging in illegal activities such as begging.

A significant number of deportations are linked to organised begging networks.

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In response, Pakistani immigration authorities have tightened measures at airports to curb the departure of individuals suspected of being involved in such activities, aiming to protect the country’s reputation abroad.