Pakistan, July 21 -- Pakistan is witnessing a decline in the number of its nationals deported from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for begging this year, an official said recently, attributing the drop to the government's sweeping crackdown against the practice.

Several Pakistanis have been deported from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries in recent years after they were found begging. The trend of abusing visas to beg overseas has raised concerns in Pakistan that the illegal practice could affect genuine visa-seekers, particularly religious pilgrims, traveling to Saudi Arabia and other countries. According to widespread media reports, Saudi Arabia has raised the issue with Islamabad at various forums ove...