'90pc of beggars arrested abroad are Pakistanis'

A staggering 90 per cent of beggars arrested in other countries were of Pakistani origin, according to a Pakistan government official.

During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, Secretary Zulfikar Haider of the Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development disclosed the information, reports Dawn.

Zulfikar Haider explained that many beggars exploited pilgrim visas to travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq.

The official also regretted that a significant number of pickpockets apprehended in holy sites in Saudi Arabia were also Pakistani nationals.

During the discussion, he noted that Japan had emerged as a new destination for such visitors.

While emphasising Pakistan’s historical role in exporting skilled labour, the secretary expressed optimism that the country’s foreign remittances would increase when professionals went abroad. He said Saudi Arabia now preferred skilled labour over untrained individuals.