Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) has arrested nine individuals accused of human smuggling, linked to the recent boat tragedies off the coasts of Libya and Greece.
The FIA spokesperson confirmed the arrests on Monday, emphasising the crackdown on trafficking networks.
The accused were apprehended in Gujranwala and Gujarat, according to Daily Ausaf newspaper. Among them is Zafar Iqbal, a notorious trafficker involved in sending minors abroad. Iqbal allegedly took Rs1.9 million and €2,300 to smuggle a child to Italy via Libya. He was arrested in Mandi Bahauddin.
Another suspect, Shahzad Yousuf, linked to the Libyan boat capsizing, was detained in Kharian. Yousuf reportedly extorted Rs2.3 million to facilitate illegal migration to Italy through Libya. Similarly, Azmat Ali was arrested for taking Rs5 million from a victim of the Greece boat tragedy.
Other suspects, including Muhammad Shafiq and Khizr Hayat, charged victims Rs4 million each for illegal travel to Greece. Mirza Sikandar reportedly took Rs5 million from two brothers for European migration.
Additional arrests included Muhammad Nawaz, who charged over Rs1 million for employment migration to Cambodia, and Shahid Amin, who demanded Rs1.7 million to send a victim to Italy. Asad Abbas was detained for taking Rs2 million to smuggle a citizen to Greece.
The FIA’s Gujranwala Zone, under the leadership of Director Abdul Qadir Qamar, continues its operations to dismantle these trafficking rings. Qamar assured that the culprits will face severe punishments, including the death penalty, based on the evidence collected.
In June, an overloaded fishing boat with a capacity of 400 people capsized and sank in open seas off Greece, with at least 350 Pakistanis on board.
