Karachi Travel Agent Accused of Using Umrah Pilgrims for Drug Smuggling

• Suspect asked Umrah pilgrims to carry packages containing narcotics under the guise of his mother’s critical illness

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has launched a case against a Karachi-based travel agent accused of exploiting Umrah pilgrims to smuggle illegal drugs into Saudi Arabia. This revelation comes as a shocking development with implications for travelers from the region and beyond.

The accused, Abdul Shakoor, also known as Shahzaib Naqshbandi, operated out of the Kharadar area of Karachi. According to complaints lodged by affected families, Shakoor arranged travel packages, including visas and accommodations, for Umrah pilgrims at a cost of Rs265,000 per person.

Upon reaching the airport, Shakoor and an accomplice, Junaid, allegedly approached the pilgrims with an emotional plea, claiming Shakoor’s mother was critically ill in Saudi Arabia. They convinced the unsuspecting pilgrims to carry medicine packets purportedly unavailable in the Kingdom.

However, upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, several pilgrims — including Nazim Khan, Sameer, and Khurram Ameen — were arrested on drug smuggling charges and are now imprisoned in Saudi jails.

The FIA’s Human Trafficking Circle, led by Deputy Director Ali Murad Baladi, consolidated complaints from families, including those of Nazia Nazim, Mahmooda Bano, and Niaz Muhammad. The investigation uncovered substantial evidence implicating Shakoor and his accomplice. A formal case (No. 311/24) has been registered, and raids are underway to apprehend the suspects.

A video confession by Shakoor has surfaced, in which he admits involvement but shifts blame to another accomplice, claiming the medicines were sent by them. He also stated that his office staff were unaware of the operation.

Efforts to contact Shakoor, his family, and his accomplices have been unsuccessful, as their mobile phones remain switched off. FIA officials revealed that Shakoor ignored multiple summons and was unavailable at his office during the investigation.

This case has sparked outrage in the region, with calls for stricter regulations to protect pilgrims traveling from South Asia and Africa. It underscores the vulnerabilities of travelers undertaking religious journeys, often unaware of the risks posed by malicious actors exploiting their goodwill.

‼️‼️‼️

Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2347035616202Email: thepeacemag@gmail.com

We represent Islamic advocacy and News Reporting. The primary objective is to use our platform to promote a better-informed society and the sanctity of the peaceful co-existence of man. It remains the flagship of Nigeria’s Islamic News magazines.
Kindly donate here;
PEACE MAGAZINE NIGERIA LIMITED,
TAJBank
0009931319

SPONSORED

SPONSORED

SPONSORED

SPONSORED