Fake marriages: 79 suspects, including Chinese nationals arrested

In this regard, an investigation team from Beijing arrived in Islamabad to probe the matter.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – In a crackdown against transnational Chinese gang in Pakistan suspected of involvement in fake marriages and human trafficking of girls, 79 people have been detained by officials in Islamabad and other districts of Punjab.

In this regard, an investigation team from Beijing arrived in Islamabad to probe the matter. The team has assured Islamabad for “all possible cooperation.”

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has over the past fortnight arrested scores of Chinese nationals and their suspected local abettors from various parts of the country in connection with its investigation into a transnational gang allegedly involved in contracting fake marriages between Chinese men and Pakistani women, who are later forced into prostitution and the illegal organ trade.

In Lahore, FIA officials raided the hideouts and arrested 21 Chinese nationals and their two Pakistani abettors, believed to be involved in the matter. Meanwhile, a Pakistani girl returned back home from China.

In Faisalabad, 34 people were arrested, including 33 Chinese men, who were sent on judicial remand. During investigation, they have confessed that they used to take money for contracting marriages of Pakistani girls.

In Islamabad, 20 people were taken into custody by the concerned authorities, while 14 of whom were sent on judicial remand. Six other people are under the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

In Mandi Bahauddin, authorities conducted joint inquiry and detained a woman, hailing from Lahore, a Chinese man and their alleged facilitator. Five families had contracted marriages of their girls with Chinese men for ‘bright future’, but their dreams faded away.

 Pakistan, China working closely to resolve the issue 

"The relevant authorities from both the governments are in close contact on this issue," the spokesperson said in a press release. "The government of China had offered all possible cooperation on the issue, which was highly appreciated. Both sides are closely coordinating their efforts."

Dr Faisal said that "a Chinese team visited Pakistan recently and held meetings with our law enforcement officials."

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan Missions in China are closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to Pakistani citizens who may have any complaints on the subject," he added.

While supporting Pakistan’s crackdown against those who "commit crimes under the banner of cross-border marriages", Chinese Embassy in Pakistan had on Thursday denied that Pakistani women who stayed in China after marriage with its nationals were "forced into prostitution or organ sale."