An investigation has revealed that 31 officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are allegedly involved in a human trafficking case connected to the deaths of five Pakistanis and the disappearance of 40 others, following the capsizing of a boat carrying illegal migrants off the coast of Greece.
According to an internal FIA probe, the implicated officials facilitated the illegal migration of the victims involved in the Greece capsizing incident. Their names are set to be added to the passport control list to restrict their international travel.
Media reports indicate that among the accused are 19 officials stationed at Faisalabad Airport, three at Sialkot Airport, two at Islamabad Airport, five at Quetta, and two at Lahore Airport. The individuals under investigation include inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables.
This departmental action follows the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed anger over the slow progress of the probe into the 2023 tragedy. The Prime Minister emphasized accountability and warned that those delaying the investigation would face disciplinary measures.
PM Shehbaz also drew attention to a similar incident in Greece last year, which claimed the lives of 262 Pakistanis, underscoring the pressing need to combat human trafficking and prevent further loss of life.
The government has pledged to intensify efforts against human trafficking networks, ensuring that those responsible, including complicit officials, are brought to justice.
