FIA Operations in Balochistan: Thousands Arrested for Illegal Border Crossings

Quetta (Qudrat Daily) — The **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan** has arrested **3,567 individuals** involved in illegal border crossings during various operations, while also seizing foreign currency from suspects involved in the **Hawala trade**.

According to the FIA spokesperson, **Director General FIA, Riffat Mukhtar**, visited the FIA Zonal Office in Balochistan to review administrative and investigative matters. During the visit, **Director Balochistan Zone, Bahram Khan**, provided a detailed briefing on the zone’s overall performance and ongoing operations.

The briefing revealed that this year, **89 cases** were registered against individuals involved in Hawala and illegal currency exchange, resulting in the arrest of **112 suspects**. Seized assets included **$45,730 USD, foreign currency worth over PKR 190 million, and PKR 46.7 million in cash** from Hawala operators.

Additionally, **4,771 raids** were conducted against electricity theft, recovering more than **PKR 567 million**, while **409 cases** were registered against human smuggling, leading to the arrest of **3,567 suspects** for illegal border crossings. During the year, **39 human smugglers** were also apprehended.

The DG FIA praised the Balochistan Zone for its performance, announced **certificates of merit** for top-performing officers, and directed **strict action against organized groups involved in human smuggling and Hawala operations**. He also emphasized continued efforts to prosecute individuals involved in electricity theft and other activities damaging the national economy.

To further enhance operational efficiency, the DG requested a comprehensive **performance improvement plan**, conducted a detailed inspection of FIA buildings, offices, and facilities, and asked for a report to improve **logistical support** in the Balochistan zone.