FIA offloaded over 27,000 suspected passengers in 2024: DG

ISLAMABAD: More than 27,000 suspected passengers were offloaded last year as part of crackdown by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), its chief said, adding that, with Interpol’s support, the agency is actively working to dismantle international smuggling networks.

The 8th meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Human Smuggling was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of FIA Director General (DG) Jan Muhammad.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, such as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan police, Coast Guard, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Maritime Security Agency, Nadra, Passport Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Senior FIA officers, including additional director generals (adgs) and directors, also attended the meeting.

At the outset, Additional Director General (Immigration) Abbas Ahsan expressed gratitude to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for their support in organising the event and their ongoing assistance in initiatives against human smuggling and trafficking. FIA Anti-Human Smuggling Director Saqib Sultan provided a detailed overview of the fundamental objectives of the IATF and the ongoing crackdown against human smugglers. Meanwhile, Immigration Wing Director Haroon Joya, shared insights into the routes, transit countries, and other significant aspects of human trafficking.

The Immigration Wing additional director general outlined the establishment, objectives, and significance of the special task force, which was formed under the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Additional Director General (Law) Muhammad Jaffar emphasised the need to digitise data on human traffickers to ensure seamless information sharing among institutions.

Press Information Department (PID) Director General Zobia Masood briefed the participants on the media campaign launched under the prime minister’s directives to raise awareness about human smuggling and trafficking. FIA DG Jan Muhammad addressed the gathering, stressing the urgent need for unified and proactive measures to dismantle human smuggling networks. He highlighted the transnational nature of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, reiterating the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to enhance cooperation, exchange information on human traffickers, and improve the capacity of officials involved in anti-trafficking efforts. Participants agreed to introduce a modernised system to monitor illegal movements at the borders. They also emphasised the need to continue public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about safe and legal migration routes.