FIA Thwarts Major Human Smuggling Attempt Under the Pretext of Umrah, Group Arrested at Quetta Airport

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta) – The **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan Zone** successfully intercepted a suspected organized beggary and human smuggling network at **Quetta International Airport**, officials said.

Deputy Director of Anti-Human Trafficking FIA Balochistan Zone, **Bahawal Osto**, told media that on February 24, 2026, three passengers—**Ghulam Shabbir, Abdul Rahman, and Gul Muhammad**—arrived for immigration clearance on a private airline flight to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. During inspection, authorities noticed that two of the passengers were physically disabled and using wheelchairs, while the third individual appeared to be assisting them.

Initial scrutiny raised suspicions that the passengers were part of an organized network being sent abroad to collect charity illegally. Further investigation revealed that a facilitator, **Adam Khan**, had helped transport them to the airport. FIA teams immediately arrested him from the airport parking area. Adam Khan initially claimed to be a rickshaw driver and was found in possession of **Rs 60,000**, reportedly provided via EasyPaisa by the passengers.

Based on the evidence and suspicious circumstances, all three passengers and the facilitator were taken into custody for further investigation and handed over to the **FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) Quetta** for legal proceedings.

Bahawal Osto emphasized that FIA maintains a zero-tolerance policy against organized beggary, human smuggling, and illegal immigration. He noted that such networks exploit vulnerable populations and harm the country’s reputation. Preliminary investigation indicates links to professional mafia agents operating in Punjab. The FIA is deploying all resources to dismantle such networks and take strict legal action against the perpetrators. The public was urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.