FIA Busts Human Trafficking & Prostitution Network at Karachi Airport

December 14, 2025 at 04:41 PM•2 min read

Pakistan's FIA uncovered a human trafficking and prostitution network at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

Key Points

1Pakistan's FIA uncovered a significant human trafficking and prostitution network operating at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
2Initial investigation led to the arrest of Shahzaib, implicated in a prostitution ring, with PKR 420,000 paid for illicit travel arrangements.
3A separate FIA operation at Karachi Airport apprehended eight individuals attempting illegal sea travel to Albania, each paying PKR 1 million.
4Evidence seized included fake airline tickets, foreign currency, and WhatsApp conversations detailing international accomplices in Saudi Arabia and Greece.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration has dismantled a significant human trafficking and prostitution network operating out of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The operation revealed schemes designed to smuggle women and other passengers abroad under false pretenses, often involving promises of overseas employment that masked intentions of forced prostitution. The investigation began after FIA officials questioned a young woman traveling to Dubai on a visit visa, who subsequently exposed details of the larger trafficking ring.

Following the woman's testimony, investigators apprehended Shahzaib, a suspected human smuggler. Shahzaib allegedly arranged the victim's visa and airline ticket, with funds provided by another trafficker identified as Nadeem. A total of PKR 420,000 was reportedly paid for the travel arrangements, including PKR 40,000 allocated for airport clearance in Karachi. Evidence recovered from Shahzaib's mobile phone, including WhatsApp conversations, further linked him to prostitution-related activities. The victim has been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle for ongoing legal proceedings, while Shahzaib remains in FIA custody.

In a separate but related enforcement action at the same airport, the FIA arrested eight additional individuals suspected of attempting to travel illegally to Albania by sea. These passengers had reportedly paid approximately PKR 1 million each to human smugglers for their illicit journeys. The FIA subsequently took into custody several agents and facilitators identified by the arrested passengers, confirming their involvement in an organized human smuggling network. These agents were reportedly from various areas of Pakistan's Gujrat region, with further inquiries indicating accomplices operating from Saudi Arabia and Greece. During the arrests, officials seized fake airline tickets and various foreign currencies, including Euros, US Dollars, and Iranian Riyals, from the passengers.