Human trafficking: FIA arrests dozens of travel agents, agencies record confiscated
FIA is carrying out crackdown against illegal travel agencies on Interior Minister's orders
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) -- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested more than a dozen human smugglers and travel agents from all over the country on Wednesday. FIA is carrying out crackdown against illegal travel agencies and human smugglers on the orders of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, reported Dunya news.
According to the details, a team led by Deputy Director FIA has started a crackdown against illegal travel agencies in various areas of Pakistan. During the operation in interior Sindh, FIA arrested 3 travel agents and confiscated the record of many travel agencies involved in human trafficking and illegal immigration. The team raided various areas of Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana and Ghotki and ceased passports and other fake travel documents from the illegal travel agencies. While duirng raids in Karachi, FIA arrested 7 travel agents and recovered 90 passports from their possession.
In Punjab, FIA arrested 3 travel agents and 1 human smuggler after crackdown in Gujrat, Head Marala and Pasroor. A travel agent arrested from Gujrat used to trap people and rob them off their money by telling them that he will send them to Australia.
Read further: Interior Minister Ch Nisar orders crackdown against human traffickers
Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhary Nisar on Tuesday has ordered a crackdown against human trafficking. Speaking at a high level meeting, Nisar warned that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should abandon traditional approaches and should adopt his mannerisms of working.
According to the details, the Minister for Interior advised that the passports of identified traffickers be cancelled and their bank accounts should be frozen. Nisar further stated that red warrants of fugitive human traffickers be obtained from Interpol and actions should be taken to ensure their arrests. Nisar further added that a report pertaining to the matter be submitted on weekly basis.
The Federal Interior Minister stated that FIA should obtain evidence against Altaf Khanani from US officials and initiate action for his arrest.
The 2008 acquittal case of Khanani and Kalia will be raised in courts.
Nisar also announced that a heavy fine should be levied against airlines bringing back deported Pakistanis without permission. Nisar also stated that they will aid immigrants in every step.
