Crackdown on Human Smuggling and Hawala/Hundi Networks to Continue: DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar

Quetta (Daily Qudrat) — Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Riffat Mukhtar, has directed that the crackdown against organized groups involved in human smuggling and hawala/hundi operations be intensified. He emphasized that those involved in electricity theft and actions harmful to the national economy must be brought to justice.

He issued these instructions during his visit to the FIA Balochistan Zonal Office on Friday, where he reviewed administrative and investigative matters.

Balochistan Zone Director Behram Khan briefed the DG FIA on the overall performance and ongoing operations in the region. He informed that this year, 89 cases were registered against individuals involved in hawala/hundi and illegal currency exchange, resulting in the arrest of 112 suspects.

Recovered items included 45,730 US dollars, foreign currency worth over 190 million rupees, and 46.7 million Pakistani rupees.

Regarding electricity theft, 4,771 raids were conducted, leading to recoveries exceeding 56.7 million rupees.

In the domain of human smuggling, 409 cases were registered, 3,567 individuals involved in illegal border crossings were arrested, and 39 human smugglers were taken into custody during the year.

DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar appreciated the Balochistan Zone for its performance against organized crime and announced appreciation certificates for officers demonstrating outstanding work.

He instructed that the aggressive crackdown must continue and sought a detailed plan to further improve operational performance in the Balochistan Zone. He also called for a comprehensive report on enhancing logistical facilities in the region.