In a significant crackdown on unlawful activities, a total of 131 Pakistani citizens have been deported from 12 different countries. These individuals were allegedly involved in crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and violations of labor laws. Notably, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led this deportation drive.
Saudi Arabia Deports 74 Pakistanis
According to immigration sources from Saudi Arabia, 74 Pakistani nationals were sent back to their home country. The primary charges against them included drug smuggling and breaches of employment contracts. Reports indicate that several individuals had abandoned their jobs without prior notice, violating their employment agreements.
UAE Cracks Down on Illegal Entrants
The UAE authorities also took strict action by deporting several Pakistani nationals. The deported individuals were accused of illegal entry, theft, and drug-related crimes. In one unusual case, a Pakistani citizen was denied entry and deported immediately upon arrival after he allegedly made threats to harm himself.
Other Countries Taking Action
Apart from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, other nations also expelled Pakistani citizens due to various illegal activities:
- Oman
- Cambodia
- Bahrain
- Azerbaijan
- Iraq
- Mexico
- Mauritania
- Senegal
In Mauritania and Senegal, two Pakistani nationals were deported over human trafficking allegations. These actions reflect the increasing vigilance of international authorities against unlawful cross-border activities.
Legal Proceedings After Returning to Pakistan
Upon their return to Pakistan, 16 individuals were handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for their suspected involvement in human trafficking. Additionally, six others were transferred to local police stations in Larkana, Kalat, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, and Rawalpindi for further investigation.
Airport Interceptions in Karachi
Authorities at Karachi Airport reported that 86 individuals were stopped from departing the country due to discrepancies in their travel documentation. Among them, 30 Umrah pilgrims were held back for lacking advance hotel bookings and travel expense details.
Students and Tourists Also Affected
Seven individuals holding study visas for Cyprus, the UK, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan were also prevented from traveling. Similarly, travelers with tourist visas to countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Azerbaijan, Malawi, Congo, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Zimbabwe were stopped. Additionally, individuals blacklisted from working in Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were barred from boarding their flights.
Stricter Checks Indicate Growing Scrutiny
These developments underscore the increasing scrutiny faced by Pakistani citizens traveling abroad. Immigration authorities are tightening checks to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to prevent the misuse of visas. This wave of deportations serves as a stern reminder for travelers to adhere to the laws and regulations of their host countries.