GWADAR – In a significant joint operation, the Federal Investigation Agency (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.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested individuals were linked to an organized human smuggling network, which facilitated their journey to the coastal region. Authorities have registered cases against them under the Immigration Act and stringent anti-human smuggling laws. The operations are part of heightened vigilance along the remote coastal and border areas to curb illegal crossings and dismantle smuggling rings.
The FIA and police have underscored their continued commitment to targeting organized crime syndicates involved in human trafficking. Further investigations are underway to uncover the broader network and identify the handlers behind this smuggling attempt
