Islamabad:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its operations against human trafficking and illegal immigration, with orders from Director General (DG) FIA for stringent screening of international passengers at all airports across Pakistan.
In a recent operation at Islamabad International Airport, FIA Immigration officials apprehended three suspects involved in human smuggling, including two deportees returning from Libya. The arrested individuals were identified as Farhan Ashraf, Ali Zeeshan, and Taqi-ul-Hasan Sajjad. According to FIA sources, Farhan Ashraf and Ali Zeeshan had paid substantial amounts to an agent, Saqib Judge, to facilitate their journey to Europe.
Investigations revealed that the duo had travelled from Faisalabad to Libya via Dubai and Egypt, utilising an international human trafficking network. After staying in Libya, the agents attempted to send them to Italy via boat. However, their plans were thwarted when Libyan authorities detained and deported them back to Pakistan.
In a separate incident, immigration authorities arrested Taqi-ul-Hasan Sajjad, who was attempting to travel to Spain using a false identity. Posing as ‘Ashraf Abbas,’ he was flagged during immigration clearance for suspicious behavior. Subsequent investigations uncovered his real identity and fraudulent travel documents.
All three suspects have been handed over to the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad for further legal action. The arrests are part of a broader effort to combat human smuggling networks operating within Pakistan. The FIA is focusing on dismantling these networks by targeting agents, facilitators, and traffickers.
Pakistan has long grappled with human trafficking, with many citizens lured by promises of better opportunities abroad. They often fall prey to criminal networks that exploit them financially and subject them to perilous journeys, such as dangerous boat crossings.
Recent high-profile incidents, including the tragic boat capsizes involving Pakistani migrants en route to Europe, have highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement and international cooperation.
Under the directive of DG FIA, immigration officials have been instructed to implement robust screening procedures at all international airports to curb illegal travel. This includes verifying passenger identities and scrutinising travel histories to identify potential trafficking cases. The FIA’s renewed efforts aim to not only prevent illegal departures but also protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by human smugglers.