Thirty-one officers and officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been implicated in the Greek boat tragedy, prompting authorities to place their names on the passport control list.
The implicated individuals, including inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables, are suspected of facilitating the illegal travel of individuals who perished in the ill-fated boat incident.
The officers reportedly belonged to various airports across the country, including Faisalabad (19), Sialkot (3), Lahore (2), Islamabad (2), and Quetta (5).
The investigation gained momentum after directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired a high-level meeting to address the human trafficking crisis and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Premier’s directives
Expressing anger over the slow pace of action against human traffickers, the Prime Minister recalled a similar incident in 2023, where 262 Pakistanis lost their lives in a boat capsizing in the same region of Greece.
“Human trafficking not only destroys lives but also tarnishes Pakistan’s reputation globally. This recurrence of tragic incidents due to inaction is unacceptable,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for stringent measures to dismantle networks involved in human trafficking and warned of strict punishment for those exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Details of investigation
FIA sources revealed that the implicated officials had allegedly colluded to send individuals abroad through illegal means, leading to the disastrous outcomes seen in the Greek tragedy.
The investigation underscores the need for tighter airport controls and harsher penalties for those found guilty of abetting human trafficking. Authorities are also expected to expand the probe to uncover further networks and accomplices.
The recent boat tragedy has brought renewed attention to the plight of desperate individuals who risk their lives in search of better opportunities abroad. Human traffickers exploit this desperation, often leading to fatal consequences, as seen in the Greece disaster.
Officials confirmed that the government is committed to taking concrete steps to eradicate human trafficking and provide justice for the victims and their families.
