After the issue of Umrah visa holders being involved in begging, it has now been revealed that Pakistanis visiting Iran and Iraq for pilgrimage are also involved in begging, with the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) staff reportedly facilitating these Pakistani beggars traveling to Iraq.
According to reports Iraqi authorities have sent a letter expressing their displeasure to the Pakistani government regarding the involvement of Pakistani beggars and FIA officials. The letter states that FIA officials are also involved in bribing Iranian drivers.
Iraqi authorities have demanded that the Pakistani government obtain guarantees from pilgrims and tour operators ensuring that they will return after completing their pilgrimage.
According to Iraqi officials, Pakistanis traveling to Iraq via Iran are involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and begging. They have highlighted that Pakistani girls aged 18 to 25 are begging in Iraq and that there are approximately 60,000 illegal Pakistani immigrants.
Iraqi authorities have warned that there is a possibility of Pakistani citizens being blacklisted.
The displeasure expressed by Iraqi authorities has caused embarrassment for the Pakistani embassy.
On the other hand, the FIA has stated that the heads of families often leave women and children behind in Iraq and return to Pakistan.
According to the FIA, many of these Pakistanis hail from areas such as Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, and Gujrat. The FIA also reported that 66 women and their children have been detained for being involved in begging in Baghdad.