35 FIA officials dismissed for facilitating human smugglers

ISLAMABAD: Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir has dismissed 35 officials for facilitating the human smuggling mafia in illegal migration and failing to uphold their duties.

The dismissed officials include four inspectors, 10 sub-inspectors, two assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), five head constables and 14 constables, the DG office confirmed.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against 13 officials linked to human trafficking.

On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, action against the FIA officials implicated in human trafficking related to recent boat tragedies have been ramped up.

The agency, under the leadership of Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, has taken stringent measures to hold negligent and complicit personnel accountable.

In a recent orderly room meeting, Ahmed reviewed disciplinary proceedings against 49 officials accused of negligence or involvement in human smuggling networks connected to the tragic incidents.

He reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, indicating, “There is no place in the FIA for those who were negligent or complicit in these boat tragedies. The purpose of this internal accountability is to cleanse the organization of corrupt elements and ensure justice for the victims of human trafficking.”

The DG emphasized that accountability was critical to eradicating human trafficking and rebuilding public trust in the agency.

Measures will continue against the FIA personnel exploiting innocent citizens, officials found guilty of illegal activities will face strict penalties.

Internal accountability is essential for dismantling human smuggling networks and ensuring the FIA operates as a transparent and trustworthy institution.

The crackdown follows a series of high-profile boat tragedies involving human smuggling networks, which have led to international scrutiny. These actions reflect the government’s commitment to addressing systemic issues within the agency and preventing future loss of life.

The FIA’s renewed focus on internal reform sends a strong message to both its personnel and the broader public that negligence and corruption will not be tolerated.