Pakistan to prosecute deportee beggars from Gulf States under ATC law

In a controversial yet stern move, the Pakistani government has decided to prosecute individuals deported from Gulf countries for begging, under the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The plan, according to official sources, includes new legal amendments aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s international reputation and tackling illegal immigration practices.

This tough stance follows complaints from Gulf nations—notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE—which reported that entire families from Pakistan had migrated to their territories solely to engage in begging, a practice that is strictly illegal and culturally unacceptable in many Middle Eastern countries.

To enforce this new policy, the government is preparing to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act to ensure that those deported for such acts face serious legal consequences upon returning to Pakistan.

Read more: Beggars in Madinah harass pilgrim for alms

Officials stated that these actions are viewed as damaging to Pakistan’s image abroad and are being treated with utmost seriousness. The government aims to send a strong message that misusing visas or engaging in illegal activity overseas will no longer go unpunished.

This initiative is also tied to wider efforts to crack down on human trafficking, forged travel documents, and fake employment arrangements that allow individuals to slip into foreign countries under false pretenses.

The decision is expected to spark debate over human rights and the scope of anti-terror laws, but the government appears resolute in its mission to restore dignity and discipline to Pakistan’s migrant practices.