Fresh Embarrassment? Minister Admits Saudi Arabia Detained 5,500 Pakistani Beggars | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 23, 2026, 12:21 IST

Organised begging syndicates and illegal migration networks have repeatedly drawn scrutiny from Gulf countries, home to millions of Pakistani expatriates

Pakistan’s Gulf partners have flagged an uncomfortable problem for Islamabad. More than 5,500 Pakistani beggars have been apprehended in Saudi Arabia, while the UAE has also raised concerns over Pakistani nationals involved in begging, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry revealed in Parliament on Monday.

The disclosure came during a broader debate on internal security and migration, where the minister also claimed that Pakistani security forces had killed 1,890 terrorists over the past year, the highest annual figure in the country’s history, and asserted that a majority of those killed were Afghan nationals.

The twin revelations offered a rare glimpse into the challenges confronting Pakistan’s interior ministry, ranging from international concerns over illegal migration networks to a worsening security situation that has forced Islamabad to place counter-terrorism at the centre of its policy agenda.

“It is repeatedly said that you deport people, we have no inclination for it; tell us, if our friendly country Saudi Arabia apprehends 5,500 beggars for us and says these are the ones you sent, then what should we do?" Chaudhry said while addressing Parliament.

The minister said the United Arab Emirates had similarly raised concerns with Islamabad regarding Pakistani nationals engaged in begging activities.

“And similarly, if the UAE raises questions with us that these beggars have come, then what should we do?" he asked.

The remarks are likely to reignite debate in Pakistan over organised begging syndicates and illegal migration networks that have repeatedly drawn scrutiny from Gulf countries, home to millions of Pakistani expatriates and one of Islamabad’s most important sources of remittances.

Terrorism Tops Budget Priorities

Alongside the migration issue, Chaudhry painted a grim picture of Pakistan’s security landscape.

Declaring the elimination of terrorism as the government’s foremost objective, he said all four provinces should be evaluated under the National Action Plan (NAP), Pakistan’s principal counter-terrorism framework. “The first target of this government’s budget is the elimination of terrorism," he said.

The minister further claimed that Pakistani security forces had conducted record counter-terrorism operations over the past year.

“For the first time in Pakistani history, against terrorism and in IBZs, 1,890 terrorists were killed in one year. The majority of these terrorists are Afghan citizens," Chaudhry told lawmakers.

Expanding Citizenship Network

Chaudhry also disclosed that Pakistan currently maintains dual citizenship agreements with 23 countries and is working to conclude similar arrangements with five additional nations.

“We have dual citizenship agreements with 23 countries in our world, while five countries are in the pipeline," he said.

The parliamentary disclosures come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with economic pressures, rising militant attacks and increased scrutiny from regional partners over migration-related issues. The government’s attempt to place counter-terrorism at the heart of its budget strategy reflects growing concern over security challenges that continue to dominate the country’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

News world Fresh Embarrassment? Minister Admits Saudi Arabia Detained 5,500 Pakistani Beggars | Exclusive

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