ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 451 individuals involved in human trafficking and illegal overseas travel networks this year, leading to a significant 47 percent reduction in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe, officials said on Saturday. Similar declines have also been recorded in illegal travel to the United Kingdom and Gulf countries, reflecting the impact of stricter enforcement and improved screening measures.
The update was shared during a high-level review meeting focused on combating human trafficking and unlawful overseas travel. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with senior federal ministers and top officials from law enforcement and immigration authorities.
According to officials, the FIA’s intensified operations have targeted organized trafficking networks, agents facilitating illegal travel, and the misuse of work, visit, and tourist visas. Authorities noted that many deportation and offloading cases involved passengers returning from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Malaysia, and Oman.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the proactive role of the Interior Ministry, particularly highlighting the interior minister’s personal visits to airports to review offloading cases and immigration procedures. He said such direct oversight demonstrated the government’s seriousness in addressing illegal migration while ensuring that genuine travelers are not unnecessarily inconvenienced.
At the same time, the prime minister stressed that measures against illegal travel must be balanced and carefully managed so that passengers holding valid documents are not harassed or delayed. He underlined the importance of better coordination between the FIA, the Protectorate of Immigrants, and other relevant institutions to facilitate lawful overseas employment and protect the rights of legitimate travelers.
A major focus of the meeting was the use of technology to modernize border management and immigration controls. The FIA has established a dedicated Risk Assessment Unit that screens passengers using data on previous deportations and illegal travel patterns. Work is also underway to install e-gates at airports to speed up clearance processes while maintaining security.
Officials said that access to Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data will allow authorities to identify suspicious travel documents even before passengers arrive at airports. In addition, a new mobile application is being developed to track and analyze passenger data more effectively.
The FIA is also restructuring its Integrated Border Management System and IT departments to improve operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence tools are being deployed to enhance surveillance, detect patterns linked to illegal migration, and curb human trafficking more effectively.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption within law enforcement agencies. He revealed that 196 FIA officers and personnel have already been dismissed for corruption, sending a strong message that internal accountability is central to the broader crackdown.
The meeting was attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and other senior officials.
The government said the combined approach of enforcement, technology, and institutional reforms aims to dismantle human trafficking networks, reduce illegal migration, and ensure a secure yet traveler-friendly immigration system for Pakistan.
