Pakistani authorities seize 31 passports in human smuggling crackdown

Dozens of passports were recovered from an alleged human smuggler arrested in Pakistan’s northeastern city of Lahore, authorities said Monday.

The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) anti-human smuggling circle carried out a major raid at Legal Migration Consultancy, located in Lahore’s Johar Town neighborhood, according to a press statement.

During the operation, agents recovered 31 Pakistani passports, PKR 807,000 (about $2,850) in cash, and receipts allegedly collected from victims. Officials also seized 25 mobile phones and other records.

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was in contact with other agents and foreign accomplices through the mobile devices. Authorities allege the individual was collecting passports and large sums of money from people under the pretense of arranging overseas employment—despite lacking a license to operate.

An investigation is underway, and further arrests are expected based on information obtained from the suspect.

The FIA ramped up efforts against human trafficking following the capsizing of a migrant boat near Greece in December. More than 80 Pakistanis drowned in the incident, while 36 were rescued. The rest were presumed dead.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered authorities to crack down on human smugglers and any officials facilitating them. Since then, dozens of suspects have been arrested in a nationwide operation.