Man Already Deported for Begging Caught Going Back to Saudi Arabia

A Pakistani man deported for begging in Saudi Arabia was apprehended by immigration authorities at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport while attempting to return to the kingdom.

The individual, identified as Alehandro Panhwar, was offloaded from a Saudi Arabia-bound flight and subsequently arrested. According to a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) spokesperson, Panhwar’s name was already listed in the blacklist category.

Reports revealed that Panhwar had initially traveled to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa in 2019. During his stay, he was arrested for engaging in begging and deported back to Pakistan in June 2023. Following his deportation, his name was added to the blacklist to prevent further travel abroad.

Despite this, Panhwar attempted to re-enter Saudi Arabia by paying Rs. 240,000 to a travel agent, Abdul Shakoor, for a visa and ticket. Authorities disclosed that the agent had allegedly encouraged Panhwar to continue begging upon his arrival in the kingdom.

Panhwar has since been handed over to the FIA Karachi’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle for further legal action. Investigations are also underway into the travel agent’s potential involvement in human smuggling.

This incident follows a broader crackdown on individuals using fraudulent means to travel for begging. In October, eight passengers were arrested at the same airport for attempting to fly abroad with fake documents, intending to beg under the guise of performing Umrah.

Saudi authorities have raised concerns over expatriates, including some Pakistanis, traveling on Umrah visas and later engaging in begging activities. In response, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi officials of strict action against those involved. He confirmed that 4,300 individuals had been placed on Pakistan’s Exit Control List (ECL) as part of efforts to dismantle beggar mafias and uphold a zero-tolerance policy.