Ex-Punjab Police Official Linked to Human Trafficking Ring

KARACHI – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration has successfully thwarted a human trafficking attempt involving four women who were being smuggled to Saudi Arabia under the guise of Umrah visas. The operation uncovered a trafficking network allegedly led by a former Punjab police official, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking in the region.

The four women, identified as Shazia Bano, Zameera Azeem, Lubna, and Sana Shehzadi, were offloaded at Karachi Airport after authorities discovered they were being sent to Saudi Arabia for forced labour. Investigations revealed that the women had previously been trafficked to the Gulf kingdom under similar circumstances.

The key figure behind the trafficking ring was identified as Asiya, a former employee of the Punjab police, who allegedly funded the victims’ travel expenses. Another individual, Waseem Gujjar, an agent, facilitated the women’s stay and other expenses in Saudi Arabia.

In a separate operation, the FIA arrested two passengers, Ellis and Ryan, who arrived in Pakistan on fake emergency passports. The suspects, who arrived on flight number SV700, were found to have fraudulent emergency stamps on their passports, and their citizenship was also deemed questionable. Both individuals were transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further legal action.

The FIA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the trafficking network, aiming to dismantle the entire operation and bring all involved parties to justice. This incident follows a similar operation last month, where the FIA foiled a major human trafficking attempt at Islamabad Airport.

Human trafficking remains a significant issue in Pakistan, with vulnerable individuals often lured under false pretenses and subjected to exploitation abroad. The FIA’s recent successes highlight the agency’s commitment to combating this menace and protecting citizens from falling victim to such crimes.

The FIA’s swift action in offloading the four women and arresting suspects with fake documents underscores the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in tackling human trafficking. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities to prevent further exploitation.