The action, according to details, is intended to stop the begging mafia from damaging Pakistan’s reputation in the holy land.

As part of its severe efforts against beggars, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has planned to require pilgrims to sign an affidavit vowing not to beg before leaving for Umrah. Those who violate this affidavit will face strict legal action.

Umrah pilgrims will not be permitted to travel alone; they must travel in groups in order to further discourage begging. This measure ensures that pilgrims are accountable for their actions and are less likely to engage in begging.

In order to discourage begging, tour companies will also have to get pilgrims to sign affidavits.

According to sources, the administration is committed to resolving this issue because begging has damaged Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.

Four travel agents were arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for sending residents to Saudi Arabia to beg during raids in different parts of Multan.

Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, Ghulam Yaseen, and Sadiq Hussain were among the agents that were arrested, according to an FIA official.

The representative clarified that the information from previously detained people was the basis for these arrests.

The agents were allegedly sending citizens to Saudi Arabia with the purpose of begging and then collecting a share of the money earned through begging.

Prior to this, the Punjab government declared that schools will be closed from November 17 to November 25.

A Punjab government announcement states that schools in the Rawalpindi Division will reopen tomorrow since the area’s air pollution has reduced following a reduction in haze.

The notice stated that schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, and Chakwal would reopen tomorrow.

According to reports, the level of toxic fog in Lahore and other Punjabi cities has somewhat decreased.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 497, Lahore was recognised as the second most polluted city in the world.

In the past, the district government of Lahore prohibited outdoor activities in response to the growing pollution menace.

Religious meetings are exempt, but all sports, exhibits, and activities are suspended, as is dining outside of restaurants, according to a statement released by the DC Lahore.

Additionally, stores, marketplaces, and shopping centres will close by 8 PM, however pharmacies, labs, gas stations, and supermarkets will not be affected.

Only grocery and medical departments may remain open in large department stores.

During pollution, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has advised residents to use masks and refrain from needless outside activities.

The National Disaster Management Authority has sent its 19th assistance cargo, which includes 17 tonnes of basic goods such food, clothing, milk, tents, and hygiene kits, to Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

On the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the humanitarian supplies—which included sleeping bags, family packs, rice buckets, powdered milk, canned food, and medical support kits—were sent to Damascus, Syria, via a chartered aeroplane from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

On the Prime Minister’s orders, a special account called the “Prime Minister’s relief fund for Gaza and Lebanon” was created to gather donations from the general population in order to support their kin in Gaza and Lebanon who are experiencing war-related problems.