FIA ordered to intensify crackdown

FIA ordered to intensify crackdown

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to intensify its crackdown on human smugglers, illegal money transfer networks and criminal gangs, stressing that action against such elements must produce visible results.

Naqvi visited the FIA Zonal Office in Lahore, where he chaired a meeting to review the agency’s performance and the ongoing upgrade project at the office. Senior FIA officials briefed the minister on recent investigations, arrests and measures aimed at improving immigration and law-enforcement operations.

During the meeting, Naqvi called for action against the entire network involved in human trafficking and hawala-hundi operations rather than targeting individual members alone. He said the FIA must identify and dismantle the complete chain behind these criminal activities.

“The crackdown against criminal gangs is the FIA’s responsibility, and its results should be clearly visible,” the minister said, directing officials to ensure effective enforcement and stronger investigations.

The meeting also approved, in principle, the installation of modern cameras at immigration counters across airports in the country. Officials decided to replace outdated surveillance cameras with advanced technology to improve monitoring, strengthen security and help detect suspicious activity.

The participants also agreed in principle to use the Pak ID app for registering complaints. The move is expected to provide citizens with a more convenient digital channel to report immigration-related issues and other complaints to the authorities.

According to the briefing, the FIA registered 1,670 First Information Reports (FIRs) during the past year. The agency also completed 4,000 of around 5,000 inquiries during the same period, reflecting a significant volume of investigative work.

Officials further told the meeting that FIA teams arrested 295 proclaimed offenders over the past year as part of their efforts to pursue wanted suspects and strengthen law enforcement.

Naqvi instructed FIA officials to improve the agency’s operational capacity, make better use of modern technology and maintain an effective crackdown against organized criminal networks. He also stressed the need for timely action and measurable outcomes in ongoing investigations.