Pakistani authorities have stopped three young men from boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia after uncovering an alleged plan to use Umrah visas as a cover for illegal migration to Europe. The passengers were offloaded at Sialkot International Airport during immigration checks conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
According to FIA sources, the three men were travelling with their mothers, while one was also accompanied by his grandmother, in an apparent attempt to avoid suspicion during immigration screening. Officials said the group intended to travel onward to Europe through the illegal “Dunki” route after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
FIA Says Suspects Planned Route Through Libya to Greece
During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted they intended to reach Europe through Libya before attempting to enter Greece illegally. FIA sources said each had reportedly paid a total of Rs55 lakh to arrange the journey through a human smuggling network.
The agency said the men were taken into custody after being offloaded from their flight at Sialkot Airport. Authorities have launched further investigations into the suspected smuggling operation.
Human Smuggler Reportedly Linked to Mandi Bahauddin
According to FIA officials, the suspects were in contact with a suspected human smuggler from Mandi Bahauddin who is currently believed to be based in Europe. Investigators are examining the network’s role in facilitating illegal migration from Pakistan.
Officials also said that after the three men were prevented from travelling, their mothers and the grandmother chose not to continue with their Umrah journey.
The FIA has intensified efforts in recent months to curb illegal migration networks that use religious travel, visit visas, or other legal travel documents as a cover for human smuggling operations.
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