FIA Arrests 324 at Karachi Airport in Crackdown on Human Trafficking, Passports Blacklisted

In a major crackdown against human trafficking and misuse of religious travel visas, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 324 individuals, including 119 women and two human traffickers, at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

The FIA’s Human Trafficking Circle revealed that 204 people were caught while attempting to travel abroad in 2024 for the purpose of begging. Additionally, 269 individuals were detained upon arrival in Pakistan after being deported from foreign countries for similar offenses.

Deputy Director Rabia Qureshi stated, “This misuse of Umrah visas has not only damaged Pakistan’s image globally but also exposed an organized trafficking network exploiting vulnerable individuals.”

As part of the strict action:

• Passports of all those involved have been blacklisted.

• A five-year travel ban has been imposed.

• Their national ID cards and bank accounts have been blocked.

Deputy Director of Immigration Bahawal Osto confirmed that only 2 of the 26 suspected agents involved in this trafficking ring have been arrested so far, but a wider investigation is ongoing to dismantle the network.

FIA emphasized that this operation is not only aimed at halting illegal travel but also at safeguarding the reputation of Pakistan and preventing exploitation in the name of religious pilgrimage.