Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to remove the FIA chief is seen as a strong message that negligence or complicity in human trafficking will not be tolerated. The government has vowed to implement stricter policies and take firm action against those involved in smuggling innocent Pakistanis abroad through illegal means
Ansar M Bhatti
Islamabad: In a significant move to curb the escalating issue of human trafficking, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has dismissed Ahmed Ishaq, the Director General (DG) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The decision comes in response to a surge in human smuggling incidents that have resulted in the deaths of numerous Pakistanis attempting to reach Europe through illegal routes.
In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in cases of Pakistanis falling victim to human traffickers. Many individuals, desperate for better economic opportunities, have undertaken perilous journeys via illegal migration routes. These routes, often controlled by criminal networks, have led to multiple tragic boat accidents, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, as people attempt to cross from North Africa to Europe.
Just weeks ago, reports emerged of a migrant boat capsizing off the coast of Africa, where dozens of Pakistani nationals were feared dead. This incident, among several others, has placed immense pressure on the Pakistani government to tighten its grip on human smuggling networks and hold responsible authorities accountable.
The FIA, which is Pakistan’s premier agency responsible for tackling transnational crimes, including human trafficking, has been under scrutiny for its alleged failure to dismantle these networks. In recent crackdowns:
- The government dismissed 35 FIA officials suspected of aiding human smugglers.
- The FIA arrested 185 individuals involved in human trafficking, including 38 most-wanted traffickers.
- A special investigation team has been dispatched to Morocco to probe a recent boat capsizing incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to remove the FIA chief is seen as a strong message that negligence or complicity in human trafficking will not be tolerated. The government has vowed to implement stricter policies and take firm action against those involved in smuggling innocent Pakistanis abroad through illegal means.
The FIA’s leadership change is expected to bring a renewed focus on dismantling human trafficking networks, enhancing border security, and collaborating with international agencies to curb this crisis.
IG KP Akhtar Hayat has also been removed from his post. An officer of Police service Zulfiqar Hameed has been appointed new IG KP.
