FIA offloaded nearly 39,800 passengers in 2025 to curb human smuggling, official says

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken a firm stance against human smuggling, offloading approximately 39,786 passengers in 2025 through a "lawful, intelligence-driven and risk-based system." This measure aims to curb irregular migration and protect citizens from exploitation.

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Offloading decisions are not arbitrary.

Immigration Additional Director General Nouman Siddiqui emphasized that these offloading decisions are not arbitrary. They are based on thorough assessments, including immigration concerns, suspicious travel patterns, document verification, and destination-country requirements. Siddiqui asserted that the primary objective is "the protection of human life and prevention of exploitation at the hands of human traffickers."

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The primary objective, he said, was “the protection of human life and prevention of exploitation at the hands of human traffickers”.

The crackdown follows a series of tragedies linked to illegal migration routes, which have claimed the lives of around 460 Pakistanis over the past three years. The issue gained significant urgency after the 2023 Greece boat tragedy, prompting stricter enforcement measures. The FIA's efforts have led to the registration of 2,421 cases and the arrest of 3,130 agents, with substantial assets seized, reflecting the scale of the problem.

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These figures reflect the scale and seriousness of human smuggling and trafficking in Pakistan.