KARACHI: A travel gang allegedly involved in smuggling drugs under the cover of arranging Umrah trips has come to light in Karachi, leaving a family stranded in Saudi Arabia, the news source reported.

According to details, a family of four from Surjani Town left for Umrah on September 8. The group included Zahida (23), Jamil (26), Zakir (28), and Anwari (45). Jamil, a laborer, is the father of a 20-day-old baby boy, while Zahida is the mother of two young daughters.

Relatives said they lost contact with the family for 10 days. On September 19, they received a call from a foreign number informing them that Saudi authorities had recovered narcotics and banned items from the family’s luggage, and they were now in custody.

The family claims the luggage, including ihram and other Umrah essentials, was provided by a local travel agent named Ali, who did not allow them to carry their own belongings. After the incident, the agent has gone into hiding.

Relatives insist their loved ones are innocent and trapped in a false case. They have appealed to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and other authorities to ensure their safe return.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged people to book Umrah only through its verified list of 113 authorised companies, available on its official website. Pilgrims have been advised to make payments only via bank transfers to official company accounts, and to always collect receipts and contracts to avoid fraud.

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