ISLAMABAD: In a significant intervention, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) thwarted a human trafficking attempt disguised as an Umrah pilgrimage at Islamabad International Airport. On Saturday, FIA immigration staff arrested 13 passengers and their facilitator, preventing them from boarding a Saudi-bound flight.
The suspects, holding Umrah visas, were detained after suspicions arose during routine checks. The FIA spokesperson revealed that the group intended to transit through Saudi Arabia to reach Libya and subsequently Italy. Evidence discovered on their mobile phones indicated contact with human trafficking agents. The arrested individuals, identified as Ehtesham, Adil, Shehryar, Ali Hamza, Murad, Suleman, Hayatullah, Bilal, Sakhawat, Waseem Abbas, Shehzad, Aamir Sohail, and Waqif Khan, are from Peshawar, Attock, and Sialkot.
They were traveling with their facilitator, Asad Iqbal. Investigations have linked the group to Sameer Qayum, an agent based in Libya. The suspects had reportedly paid substantial sums to agents for their illegal entry into Italy through Libya. They have been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad, where further legal proceedings will take place. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to combat human trafficking and protect individuals from exploitation under the guise of religious travel.
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