ISLAMABAD: In a significant operation targeting human trafficking, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has detained 324 individuals at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Among them were 119 women, all accused of misusing Umrah visas for the purpose of traveling abroad to beg.

The arrests were made by the FIA’s Human Trafficking Circle Karachi, as part of an intensified effort to combat the misuse of religious pilgrimage visas and to improve Pakistan’s international standing. This operation underscores the agency’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks disguised as religious travel.

FIA officials revealed that 204 people were intercepted at airport departure gates throughout 2024, as they attempted to leave the country under the pretext of pilgrimage with the intention of begging. Furthermore, 269 individuals were detained upon their return after being deported for similar activities.

Rabia Qureshi, Deputy Director of the FIA, stated, “This misuse of Umrah visas has not only tarnished the country’s image but also highlights a growing human trafficking network.”

As part of the crackdown, the FIA has taken measures to prevent further misuse by blacklisting the passports of all involved individuals and imposing a five-year travel ban on them. Authorities have also blocked their national identity cards and frozen their bank accounts.

In addition to these arrests, two suspected human smugglers have been detained, though 24 others remain at large. Bahawal Osto, Deputy Director of Immigration, noted, “Only two out of 26 suspected agents have been arrested so far, but efforts are ongoing to trace and prosecute the entire network.”

Officials emphasized that the operation aims not only to halt illegal activities but also to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by organized trafficking rings operating under the guise of religious travel.