A Karachi family’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia turned into a nightmare after four of its members were arrested in Jeddah on allegations of drug smuggling.

The incident, which surfaced in the city’s Surjani Town, has sparked outrage and urgent appeals for government intervention.

According to family members, 28-year-old Zakir, 23-year-old Zahida, 26-year-old Jamil, and 45-year-old Anwari left Karachi for Umrah on September 8.

For ten days, there was no contact, until September 19, when relatives received a distressing call from an unidentified foreign number.

They were informed that Saudi authorities had detained the family after drugs and banned items were allegedly recovered from their luggage at Jeddah airport.

The family claims they were deceived by a local travel agent named Ali, who provided the Umrah package, including the luggage and ihram.

They insist their loved ones are innocent and have been trapped in a sinister scheme.

Local Union Council Chairperson Zubaida Iqbal accused a network operating under the guise of “Haji Sahib” of exploiting pilgrims.

She alleged the family was first taken to Islamabad, where they were held for ten days before being sent to Jeddah with suspicious luggage that they were not allowed to inspect.

Distraught relatives have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior authorities to urgently intervene and ensure the safe return of the family to Karachi.