GUJRAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed on Sunday to have arrested the suspected ringleader of a human smugglers’ ring in Gujrat.

According to the age­ncy, Mohammad Sal­eem Sunyara was behind the attempted illegal emigration of Pakistanis who drowned in the boat off Greece last month.

The suspect used to send money to his brother, Muhammad Asif Sun­yara, through hundi and haw­ala for sending Pakistanis abroad illegally.

The FIA’s anti-human trafficking cell has registered nine cases against human smugglers in Gujrat.

The Italy-bound fishing trawler was reportedly carrying about 800 people, including hundreds of Pakistanis. Only 104 people are known to have survived the shipwreck.

Prime Minister Sh­e­hbaz Sharif had directed the authorities to hold an inquiry into human traffi­­­cking which led to the tragedy.

Earlier, FIA Deputy Director Tariq Masood, said human traffickers living abroad would be brought to Pakistan with the Interpol’s assistance.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2023