FIA arrests three human traffickers

ISLAMABAD: The authorities have intensified the crackdown on human trafficking networks, leading to the arrest of three agents, including a notorious trafficker, in connection with the Morocco boat tragedy.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mirza Ihsan Baig, Imran Mushtaq, and Hassan Abbas.

The crackdown was conducted in Gujranwala, Islamabad, and Sialkot.

The FIA Headquarters, Islamabad released the details of the crackdown.

Mirza Ihsan Baig was directly involved in the Morocco boat accident and was actively running an illegal migration network.

Investigations reveal that Baig, along with Fadi Gujar, Bashi Gujar, and Rana Liaquat, extorted PKR2.7 million from a citizen under the pretense of smuggling him to Spain.

The victim was initially sent to Mauritania, where arrangements were made for his illegal transfer to Spain by boat. However, upon reaching Mauritania, the victim refused to undertake the risky boat journey and subsequently returned to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, Imran Mushtaq was arrested from Islamabad. He and his accomplices extorted PKR3 million from a citizen under the false promise of securing employment in Canada. After failing to send the victim abroad, the traffickers went into hiding, but the FIA successfully tracked them down.

Similarly, Hassan Abbas was arrested from Pasrur, Sialkot, for his involvement in illegal migration to Spain. He had taken PKR2.8 million from multiple victims, promising to smuggle them from Mauritania to Spain by boat. Like the previous case, the victims refused to travel by boat and returned to Pakistan.

Speaking on the intensified operations, Director FIA Gujranwala Zone, Abdul Qadir Qamar, reaffirmed that the efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks were in full force.

“The crackdown on those responsible for boat tragedies will continue. Those endangering innocent lives for financial gains will be brought to justice,” he affirmed. He further assured that FIA had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards human traffickers, emphasizing that those responsible for such heinous crimes will face severe punishments.

“We remain in constant contact with the victims’ families and are committed to eradicating international human trafficking networks from the root,” he added. The FIA urges the public to report any suspicious human smuggling activities.