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In a major development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration officials at Karachi airport thwarted an illegal human trafficking attempt, offloaded seven passengers from an Azerbaijan-bound flight.
The individuals – Adnan Zahoor, Usman Rafiq, Aftab Ahmed, Muhammad Aizaz, Imad Hussain, Mubasher Hussain, and Ehtesham Elahi – were attempting to fly to Azerbaijan on visit visas.
However, during immigration clearance, officials grew suspicious of their travel plans and stopped them for questioning.
According to preliminary investigations, the passengers had planned to travel from Baku to Turkey and Libya through connecting flights via Dubai and Malaysia.
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Their final destination was Italy, which they intended to reach by sea – an illegal and dangerous journey facilitated by human traffickers.
Authorities revealed that the group had been in contact with various trafficking agents and had paid between Rs2 million and Rs4.5 million each for the entire journey.
The agents had reportedly assured them of safe passage to Europe through non-legal channels.
All seven passengers have now been offloaded and handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for further investigation.
The FIA spokesperson confirmed the action and warned the public against falling prey to fraudulent agents promising overseas employment or asylum.
