Islamabad, Pakistan:
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its operations against human smugglers following last week’s devastating Greece boat tragedy, which claimed the lives of at least five Pakistani migrants. This concerted crackdown aims to dismantle the international human trafficking networks preying on vulnerable individuals with false promises of a better future abroad.
In a series of raids led by the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Cell in Gujranwala, two suspects, Muhammad Aslam and Saeed Ahmed, were arrested. Officials revealed that Muhammad Aslam had extorted approximately Rs8.5 million from victims in exchange for illegal passage to Europe. Tragically, his role in arranging the ill-fated boat journey to Greece resulted in catastrophic loss of life.
Sophisticated Investigations and Arrests
The FIA deployed advanced methods to track and apprehend the culprits. In addition to Muhammad Aslam’s arrest in Gujranwala, another suspect was detained in Gujrat for producing fake travel documents. Both suspects are part of an international racket responsible for smuggling individuals via dangerous routes.
FIA Gujranwala Zone Director Abdul Qadir Qamar affirmed that specialized raid teams have been established under the guidance of FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jehangir to eradicate human smuggling networks. “No one will be allowed to endanger innocent lives,” Qamar said, emphasizing that strong evidence will be used to ensure severe punishments for the accused.
Government Action and Future Measures
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to submit a comprehensive investigation report. He has also called for the arrest and prosecution of human traffickers, alongside preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits the poor and causes untold suffering. We will take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and safeguard the lives of our citizens,” PM Shehbaz stated.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants who trust traffickers with their lives. It underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable populations.