The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an illegal maritime network involved in human trafficking and smuggling operations along Pakistan’s coastal routes. Karachi Encroachment Issues Persist Despite Official Anti-Encroachment Orders Officials arrested five suspects during the operation, including the alleged launch owner Ali Muhammad alias Haji, captain Abdul Salam, and three others identified as Yousuf Palani, Imran and Ali Akbar. Illegal Sea Route Operations Exposed Investigators said the group used a vessel named Al Irfan to transport individuals through unauthorized maritime routes. They added that some passengers were illegally moved abroad and later brought back to Pakistan through the same network. Officials confirmed that immigration records showed no legal exit history for the affected individuals. Payment and Concealment Methods Revealed During initial questioning, suspects reportedly admitted charging around Rs150,000 per person for facilitating illegal re-entry into the country. They also revealed that some passengers stayed hidden on board for up to two months during transit operations. Smuggling of Contraband Goods Investigators further linked the group to smuggling activities involving liquor, cigarettes, diesel, silver and other prohibited items. These goods were allegedly transported through coastal routes in Balochistan under the cover of maritime movement. Ongoing Investigation The FIA said further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the network and possible cross-border links. Authorities also aim to determine the full scale of trafficking and smuggling operations conducted by the group. Post navigation Karachi Encroachment Issues Persist Despite Official Anti-Encroachment Orders Murad Ali Shah Inaugurates Azeempura Flyover in Karachi
