FIA busts 'dunki' racket, rescues 21 Pakistanis

KARACHI:

Lured by promises of jobs in Turkey and Iraq, 21 Pakistanis were allegedly drawn into a human smuggling network that planned to send them to Europe through dangerous, irregular migration routes. The FIA's Anti-Human Trafficking Circle has arrested two suspected agents and taken all 21 people into custody for protection and further inquiry.

The rescued men, including 16 from Balochistan and five from Karachi's Sohrab Goth area, were allegedly being moved through Iran and Iraq before being sent to Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and other destinations via the so-called Dunki routes.

Assistant Director Afroz Kalwar told a press conference that the arrested suspects, identified as Babar Shehzad and Imtiaz Malik, had allegedly been involved in the illicit business for around 20 years, luring Pakistani citizens with promises of taking them abroad.

According to FIA Investigation Officer Masroor Baloch, the victims had been charged Rs500,000 each. Some were brought from central Punjab to Karachi by bus or train and then allegedly transported through Balochistan towards Iran's coastal city of Chabahar, using both land and sea routes.

Baloch said the victims had been promised employment in Turkey and Iraq. Some were allegedly to be taken from Jiwani in Balochistan to Chabahar and then moved through irregular migration routes towards Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

He added that the investigation had also uncovered allegations that some victims had previously been held for ransom, while disturbing claims had emerged about the possible removal and sale of human organs. These allegations are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.