ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a human trafficking case against 12 Pakistani nationals deported from Libya, and initiated action against agents allegedly involved in sending them to Italy illegally.

According to the FIA Islamabad Zone, the deportees were handed over by FIA Immigration at Islamabad Airport to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Rawalpindi for further legal proceedings, after which the case was registered.

Preliminary investigation suggests that different agents allegedly lured the citizens with promises of employment abroad and sent them from Pakistan to Libya via Dubai and Egypt on visit and Umrah visas. From Libya, they were to be smuggled to Italy by boats. The case alleges that the agents received heavy amounts from the citizens for arranging their illegal travel abroad.

The role of other persons involved in the case will be determined during the investigation, which is being conducted by Inspector Mohammad Abdullah Kayani. The FIA Islamabad Zone said it remains committed to continuing legal action against elements involved in human smuggling and illegal migration.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026