Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has shared important updates for Pakistanis planning to travel abroad, stressing strict action against professional beggars and passengers with incomplete travel documents. His remarks come amid growing concerns over deportations and incidents that damage Pakistan’s international image.
Speaking to passengers during his visit to Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that individuals involved in begging or traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to leave the country. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry during the visit.
The interior minister said that people who bring a bad name to Pakistan abroad will face strict legal action. He emphasized that Pakistan’s dignity is a national responsibility and must be protected at all costs. However, he also reassured travelers that no passenger will be stopped without a valid legal reason.
Mohsin Naqvi stated that ensuring the dignity of Pakistan and the facilitation of genuine passengers are his top priorities. He added that immigration authorities have been instructed to act professionally while strictly enforcing the law. During the airport visit, he and Talal Chaudhry inspected immigration counters and reviewed the overall departure process to ensure efficiency and transparency.
Earlier, alarming figures were shared with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. The committee was informed that thousands of Pakistani citizens have been deported from different countries in 2025 over allegations of begging and immigration violations.
The meeting, chaired by MNA Rafiullah, was attended by the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The DG FIA briefed lawmakers on the rising trend of offloading and deportations at international airports.
According to the DG FIA, 51,000 Pakistanis were offloaded at airports in 2025 while attempting to travel abroad due to various concerns, including suspected begging and incomplete documentation. He further revealed that Saudi Arabia deported 24,000 Pakistanis during the year on charges related to begging.
In addition, Dubai deported 6,000 Pakistani nationals, while Azerbaijan sent back around 2,000 Pakistani beggars on similar grounds. These figures have raised serious concerns within the government and prompted stricter screening measures at Pakistani airports.
Officials say the government is now focusing on preventive measures, including better documentation checks, awareness campaigns, and coordination with foreign authorities. The aim is to protect the rights of genuine travelers while stopping activities that harm Pakistan’s reputation globally.
In conclusion, the government has made it clear that while overseas travel will remain smooth for law-abiding citizens, those involved in illegal activities or lacking proper documents will face firm action. The message from the interior minister is clear: travel responsibly and represent Pakistan with dignity.
FAQs
1. Who will not be allowed to travel abroad from Pakistan?
Professional beggars and passengers with incomplete or invalid documents will not be allowed to travel.
2. Did Mohsin Naqvi say innocent passengers will be stopped?
No, he clarified that no passenger will be stopped without a valid legal reason.
3. How many Pakistanis were offloaded at airports in 2025?
According to the FIA, 51,000 Pakistanis were offloaded while attempting to travel abroad in 2025.
4. Which countries deported the most Pakistani beggars?
Saudi Arabia deported 24,000, Dubai 6,000, and Azerbaijan around 2,000 Pakistani nationals on begging-related charges.
