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Thursday March 20, 2025

4,202 passengers offloaded in three months

By Sher Ali Khalti
March 20, 2025
People are queued at the International Departures counter at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, in the still taken from a video uploaded on June 14, 2023. —YouTube@Mansoortastic
People are queued at the International Departures counter at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, in the still taken from a video uploaded on June 14, 2023. —YouTube@Mansoortastic

LAHORE : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human traffickers under the directives of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The screening of passengers at Lahore Airport continues to be stringent, resulting in significant enforcement actions over the past three months.

During this period, 4,202 passengers were offloaded due to fake, suspicious, or incomplete travel documents. Additionally, 14 individuals were arrested for attempting to travel using fraudulent documentation. The FIA also apprehended 75 passengers involved in organised begging, further tightening measures against illegal activities at the airport. The arrested suspects were transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Lahore for further investigation. Authorities also thwarted the escape attempts of 14 individuals wanted by Punjab Police for serious crimes. These individuals were on the stop list and were subsequently handed over to Punjab Police officials.

According to Director FIA Lahore Zone Sarfraz Khan Virk, the agency is thoroughly reviewing the travel records of passengers to ensure strict compliance with regulations. He reaffirmed FIA’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking, emphasising that the agency remains dedicated to eradicating this menace. The FIA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s resolve to combat human trafficking with full force, ensuring that traffickers and those attempting to exploit travel routes for illegal activities face swift legal action.