QUETTA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 11 Afghan nationals for allegedly crossing the border illegally and attempting to travel unlawfully to Iran, a spokesperson said on Saturday.
According to the FIA spokesperson, the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Quetta conducted an operation resulting in the detention of the suspects, identified as Azizullah, Syed Agha, Syed Rehman, Akhtar, Musa, Gul, Naseebullah, Najam, Muhammad Jan, Mir Jan, and Hazrat Ali.
Officials stated that the individuals had entered Pakistan without legal documentation and were in contact with human smuggling agents to facilitate their onward journey to Iran.
Cases have been registered against the accused, and investigations have been formally initiated. The FIA spokesperson reiterated that a crackdown against human smuggling and illegal border crossings is ongoing, with all available resources being utilized to apprehend those involved in such networks.
Last month FIA and local police have arrested more than 70 suspects, including a large number of Afghan nationals, from the coastal areas of Turbat and Jiwani in the Makran division over the past 24 hours.
The crackdown targeted individuals attempting to cross into Iran illegally. Officials stated that acting on a tip-off regarding the presence of Afghan nationals, including women and children, staying illegally on an empty plot, a joint raid was conducted leading to the initial arrest of 49 suspects.
Police sources revealed that the detained Afghan nationals had entered Pakistan illegally from Afghanistan at different times. They were found residing in makeshift tents along the M-8 motorway before locals alerted the authorities. “They were trying to cross into Iran illegally through infrequent border routes,” a senior police officer confirmed.
