Over 212,000 Pakistani Umrah pilgrims yet to return

Concerns have emerged over possible human trafficking under the guise of Umrah travel, as more than 212,000 Pakistani pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah this year have yet to return to the country.

According to the available figures, over 212,000 Pakistani nationals departed for Saudi Arabia through various airports across Pakistan to perform Umrah but have not returned home so far.

The situation has raised concerns about the possible misuse of religious travel arrangements and the risk of people being exploited under the pretext of performing Umrah. Authorities may need to examine whether travel agents or other individuals facilitated the journeys through misleading promises or fraudulent arrangements.

The large number of pilgrims who have not returned has also raised questions about the monitoring of overseas travel and the mechanisms used to track visitors travelling on religious visas.

However, the figures alone do not establish that all those who have yet to return are victims of human trafficking. Their current whereabouts, visa status and reasons for remaining abroad would need to be verified by the relevant authorities.

Further investigation would be required to determine whether organised networks were involved, whether any pilgrims were deceived or exploited, and what steps could be taken to protect Pakistani citizens travelling abroad for religious purposes.