KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday arrested four alleged human traffickers at Karachi airport following their deportation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspects — hailing from Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, and Gujranwala — were taken into custody immediately upon their arrival in Pakistan. The individuals had been convicted of human trafficking-related crimes in the UAE and served prison terms prior to deportation.
The agency confirmed that the suspects re-entered Pakistan using emergency travel documents issued for deported individuals. Upon arrival, they were transferred to the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on human smuggling networks following a series of high-profile incidents. In January, the FIA dismissed over 30 of its personnel who were allegedly involved in facilitating illegal migration. The internal purge came amid mounting pressure on Pakistani authorities to curb human trafficking operations, particularly after a deadly migrant boat disaster near Greece in December last year.
That tragedy claimed the lives of more than 80 Pakistanis, with dozens more still missing. Only 36 migrants were rescued. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a nationwide operation to dismantle trafficking networks and bring their operatives to justice.
Since then, the FIA has ramped up enforcement efforts. In Lahore alone, 177 suspected traffickers have been arrested over the past three months. The agency has also stepped up coordination with international law enforcement to intercept cross-border smuggling routes and dismantle criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable migrants.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continuing these operations, warning that traffickers and their facilitators will face strict legal action. Investigations into the backgrounds and operations of the recently arrested suspects are currently underway, with further arrests expected.
The FIA has urged the public to report any information related to illegal migration or trafficking networks through its designated helpline and official portals.
