ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a proclaimed offender wanted for the last 16 years, FIA Islamabad Zone said on Sunday.

According to FIA Islamabad Zone, the team of Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Rawalpindi arrested proclaimed offender Noor Ahmed from Mandi Bahauddin who was nominated in an FIR. The accused had been absconding for the last 16 years.

The agency said the accused was involved in facilitating citizens’ travel to Greece through illegal routes via Iran and Turkiye.

It said on the directions of Director FIA Islamabad Zone, Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, Deputy Director Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Tariq Masood constituted a special team to arrest proclaimed offenders. The team was led by Inspector Zahid Bhatti and included ASI Rafiq and Head Constable Waqas Gujjar, who demonstrated professional expertise and arrested the wanted proclaimed offender.

The agency said role of other accused involved in the case will be determined during investigation. FIA Islamabad Zone said it is committed to continuing legal action against elements involved in human smuggling and illegal immigration.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026