RAWALPINDI: The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration staff at the Islamabad International Airport detained three suspects including two passengers who were deported by Libyan authorities after being caught while travelling to Europe illegally.

An FIA spokesperson said that strict screening of passengers going abroad continues at all airports in the country.

The passengers reportedly paid huge sums of money to an agent to travel to Europe.

According to initial investigations, the passengers travelled from Faisalabad to Libya via Dubai and Egypt through an agent.

After staying in Libya for some time, agents tried to send the passengers by boat to Italy.

The spokesman said that the passengers were later detained by Libyan authorities and deported back to Pakistan.

In another operation, a passenger travelling abroad by changing his identity was arrested by the FIA immigration staff.

The arrested suspect tried to travel to Spain using someone else’s identity.

The spokesperson said the suspects have been transferred to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad for further legal action.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Islamabad airport staff returned a female passenger’s lost purse containing cash and other valuables.

A spokesperson said a purse containing foreign currency and gold jewellery was found unattended at the airport’s check-in counter.

Despite announcements, the owner did not come forward, said the spokesperson.

The Airport Services (APS) team coordinated with Gerry’s staff to make additional announcements, including on the EK613 flight.

Their efforts led to locating the rightful owner and the safe return of the belongings.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2025