The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has decided to expand its global presence by establishing immigration wing link offices in six more countries to dismantle international human trafficking networks and curb the rising incidents of human smuggling.
According to sources, recent investigations have revealed that key operators of Pakistan's human smuggling rackets are based abroad, running powerful networks from overseas, adding that the overseas offices will help disrupt such operations.
The sources said that the new offices will be set up in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy Türkiye, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They added that new offices will focus on tracking trafficking routes and coordinating efforts with host authorities.
They sources further said that the FIA link offices will also provide facilitation to businessmen and visitors, whose arrival is expected to rise during the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The sources were optimistic that the initiative will strengthen cooperation with partner countries and play a key role in dismantling organised human trafficking networks operating across borders.
The initiative follows last month's FIA announcement of developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application, aimed at streamlining and modernising immigration procedures and combating human smuggling.
The FIA had arranged a briefing to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the project on August 23. During the briefing, FIA Director General Raja Riffat Mukhtar informed the minister that reforms were progressing swiftly.
On the Occasion, the minister announced the immediate release of funds to upgrade FIA's IT infrastructure and directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to hand over newly allotted land for the FIA Academy without delay.
Meanwhile, according to a spokesperson, Director General Rifaat Mukhtar dismissed four sub-inspectors and one lower division clerk from service on charges of misconduct, poor investigations, and violation of organisational discipline.
The FIA spokesperson said that the sacked officials were posted in Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Lahore zones, and their dismissal followed proven allegations of negligence, carelessness, or substandard investigations.
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