ISLAMABAD (Internews): Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities for securing the release of a Pakistani family falsely accused of drug smuggling, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior.
The ordeal began when Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore, traveled to Saudi Arabia with her four family members—Haroon Ali, Malik Aziz, Fouzia Aziz, and Zakria Begum—on December 23. Unbeknownst to them, an international drug syndicate, with the assistance of airport staff, swapped Akram’s luggage tag, leading to their wrongful detention in Saudi Arabia.
Following their arrest, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) launched an investigation, reviewing airport surveillance footage that led to the arrest of a porter involved in the scheme. Further inquiries resulted in the capture of nine gang members, including the ringleader.
After receiving concrete evidence from the ANF, Saudi authorities released the wrongfully accused family, reaffirming their innocence.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who met with the freed family alongside ANF Director-General Maj. Gen. Abdul Mueed, acknowledged the trauma they endured and extended special appreciation to Saudi officials for their cooperation.
“The pain this family went through is indescribable,” Naqvi stated. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Saudi government for ensuring their safe return.”
Naqvi further announced that the ANF has launched a nationwide crackdown against drug traffickers and urged citizens to remain cautious against individuals offering free Umrah packages, warning that such schemes could be part of criminal activities.
In a separate development, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) announced on Sunday the arrest of 10 individuals deported from Saudi Arabia for allegedly begging despite traveling on Umrah visas.
The misuse of religious visas for begging has raised concerns in Pakistan, as authorities fear it could negatively impact genuine visa seekers and religious pilgrims. Reports suggest that Saudi officials raised this issue with Islamabad multiple times last year, urging stricter controls to prevent visa abuse.
