Pakistan cracks down on human smuggling networks

May 22, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is taking strict action against human smuggling networks operating both inside and outside the country, with over 3,158 agents arrested since June 2023, assets worth millions seized and bank accounts frozen, as illegal migration attempts have dropped by an estimated 47% under the government's zero-tolerance policy.

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry made these disclosures in the National Assembly on Friday while responding to a calling attention notice about Pakistani citizens detained in Cambodia after falling victim to fraudulent online job schemes, APP reported.

The minister said accountability action had also been taken within the FIA, with over 100 officials facing disciplinary measures including criminal cases and convictions for allegedly assisting smuggling networks. In several cases, entire shifts were removed following investigations.

Special focus had been placed on Cambodia-bound routes, where around 15,000 Pakistanis were lured through fake online job offers before being detained or facing legal action.

The FIA conducted 286 inquiries related to Cambodia, resulting in 111 criminal cases, while 222 passengers were offloaded at airports as a preventive measure.

Such cases increased significantly during 2024 and 2025, prompting stronger enforcement on routes passing through Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar.

Through coordination efforts, approximately $1 million in fines imposed on 1,272 affected Pakistanis were waived, while 631 emergency travel documents, 112 new passports and 75 renewed passports were issued to facilitate returns.

Four Pakistani nationals who died in Cambodia have been repatriated.

The minister urged citizens to remain vigilant against agents and online fraud, saying FIA awareness campaigns and Foreign Ministry advisories were ongoing but many continued to fall victim.

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