KARACHI – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration has offloaded three female passengers, including a minor, at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport over serious suspicions of human trafficking and the alleged sexual exploitation of an underage girl.
The passengers, identified as two sisters and their mother, were scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were stopped after immigration officials scrutinised their travel documents and questioned them about the purpose and arrangements of their trip.
During questioning, the victim girl reportedly stated that she was around 16 to 17 years old and alleged that her parents had declared her age as higher than her actual age on her passport and other identity documents.
She further alleged that she had been involved in sexual activities at clubs and hotels in the UAE.
During the initial examination, the officials reportedly found WhatsApp conversations on the mother’s mobile phone with a suspected agent, identified as Haris. The messages allegedly discussed visa arrangements, air tickets and travel expenses.
The conversations also reportedly contained references to increasing the girls’ monthly earnings to Rs600,000 and discussions involving other girls. The officials said the contents required further verification and forensic examination.
Investigators also found a receipt for a bank transaction worth Rs400,000 on the mother’s mobile phone. The amount was reportedly transferred to an account belonging to the girls’ father.
The local authorities are investigating the purpose and nature of the financial transaction and whether it was connected to the suspected activities.
The initial inquiry has also brought the alleged agent, a travel agency, travel documents, bank accounts and digital records on mobile phones under scrutiny. Investigators are seeking to establish the role of each person involved in arranging the journey.
The officials have stressed the need to identify other potential victims, examine financial links, verify previous travel arrangements and determine the involvement, if any, of the parents and other individuals.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the FIA initiated proceedings to hand over the three passengers to its Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) for further investigation, forensic analysis of digital evidence and necessary legal action.
The investigation into suspected human trafficking, the possible sexual exploitation of a minor and the alleged involvement of facilitators is underway. The allegations have yet to be established through the investigation.
