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The diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has been strained due to concerns raised by the Saudi government about the increasing number of Pakistani nationals arriving in the Kingdom on Umrah visas who engage in begging. This act has been perceived as tarnishing the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims and has prompted the Saudi authorities to issue a formal warning to Islamabad. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has expressed its alarm over the behavior of these individuals, emphasizing that Umrah visas are specifically intended for religious pilgrimages. The Saudi government has called on Pakistan to take immediate action to address this issue, warning that failure to do so could have negative consequences for Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
In response to the Saudi warning, Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken steps to implement regulatory measures. The ministry is currently planning to introduce an “Umrah Act” with the aim of effectively regulating travel agencies that facilitate Umrah trips. This new legislation is intended to ensure that travel agencies adhere to Saudi expectations and standards, preventing the occurrence of future incidents involving Pakistani nationals engaging in begging while on pilgrimage. The Pakistani Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has assured the Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki, that the Pakistani government will take strict measures to address this concern. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with leading a crackdown on individuals attempting to misuse Umrah visas for purposes beyond legitimate religious pilgrimage.
This situation highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation and communication in managing the flow of pilgrims and ensuring that religious tourism is conducted ethically and responsibly. The concerns raised by Saudi Arabia regarding the behavior of some Pakistani nationals reflect a broader issue of public perception and international relations. While there may be a range of factors contributing to the actions of these individuals, including economic hardship, cultural misunderstandings, and lack of awareness about appropriate conduct during pilgrimages, it is imperative that both governments work collaboratively to address the root causes of these issues. The introduction of the “Umrah Act” in Pakistan represents a step towards improving regulation and accountability within the travel industry, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the reputation of Pakistani pilgrims and promoting harmonious relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: Saudi Arabia warns Pakistan ‘for sending beggars’ with Umrah visas: ‘Take action or…'