Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the FIA Immigration Wing to launch a strict crackdown on professional begging networks and immigration mafias. He stressed that no leniency would be shown to those tarnishing Pakistan’s international reputation.
In a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the performance of the FIA’s Immigration Wing. He also assessed ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The interior minister ordered strict and indiscriminate action against all groups involved in human smuggling. He said those engaged in illegal immigration and trafficking deserve zero tolerance.
Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s name “cannot be allowed to be disgraced under any circumstances.” He instructed the FIA to ensure full enforcement of immigration laws and strengthen airport immigration checks. Travel documents must be thoroughly screened to prevent misuse.
The meeting was attended by the federal interior secretary, additional interior secretary, FIA director general, and zonal directors from Karachi and Lahore.
Mohsin Naqvi’s directives come months after he assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki of decisive action against professional Pakistani beggars travelling to Saudi Arabia. He highlighted that mafias sending beggars abroad were harming Pakistan’s image globally.
The interior minister confirmed that the FIA had already begun a nationwide operation against these organized networks. During a follow-up visit to the Saudi Embassy, Naqvi said a zero-tolerance policy had been adopted, and full-scale actions were underway against the begging mafia.
Authorities have been instructed to intensify checks at airports and other points of exit. Strengthened monitoring and improved screening systems are aimed at preventing illegal travel and human trafficking.
The operation against immigration mafias is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve Pakistan’s law enforcement image. Officials say the campaign will continue until all networks involved in illegal immigration and human trafficking are dismantled.
Naqvi stressed that these actions are critical to protect Pakistan’s reputation abroad and to ensure safe and legal travel for its citizens. The EU recently praised Pakistan for reducing illegal migration by 47%, highlighting government efforts. Read more about ongoing actions against immigration mafias and other measures to secure legal travel.
