Fia Crackdown Forces Human Smugglers To Central Punjab Regions

In a recent crackdown on human smuggling, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reported a significant shift in trafficking operations towards central Punjab districts, following intensified actions in the Potohar region. Muhammad Ajmal, Station House Officer of the FIA, highlighted that smugglers are now exploiting vulnerable youth in agriculturally prosperous areas such as Sargodha and Faisalabad, where unemployment and the allure of overseas jobs are driving migration. "Repeated incidents of migrant boats sinking... have exposed the desperation of young job seekers willing to travel abroad at any cost," Ajmal stated. In just eight days, FIA teams conducted 26 raids, resulting in the arrest of 42 suspects and the recovery of substantial sums, including 2,100 dirhams and 5,500 Saudi riyals, alongside 107 passports from the suspects (Tribune Latest, February 24, 2026).