ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday ordered the FIA Immigration Wing to launch a strict crackdown against organised begging networks and illegal immigration mafias, warning that no tolerance would be shown for activities damaging Pakistan’s international image.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the interior minister reviewed the performance of the FIA Immigration Wing and evaluated measures taken against illegal immigration and human trafficking. He directed authorities to continue indiscriminate action against groups involved in smuggling people abroad.
Naqvi said individuals facilitating professional begging and human trafficking deserved no concession, adding that Pakistan’s reputation could not be allowed to be tarnished under any circumstances. He instructed the FIA to ensure rigorous enforcement of immigration laws and further strengthen screening procedures at airports.
The minister stressed the need to enhance document verification and tighten immigration checks to prevent illegal travel and trafficking. He said the FIA must adopt a results-driven approach and ensure visible action against criminal networks.
The meeting was attended by the federal interior secretary, additional interior secretary, FIA director general and zonal directors from Karachi and Lahore.
Naqvi’s directives follow earlier assurances given to Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki that Pakistan would take decisive action against organised begging networks operating abroad.
During a visit to the Saudi Embassy last August, the interior minister had acknowledged that professional beggars travelling overseas were harming Pakistan’s image and said the FIA had been tasked with launching a nationwide crackdown.
In a follow-up meeting later the same month, Naqvi informed the ambassador that a full-scale operation against the begging mafia was under way and that a zero-tolerance policy had been adopted to dismantle such networks.
