QUETTA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan Zone thwarted an illegal border crossing attempt on Sunday, arresting foreign nationals and two suspected human traffickers at the Pakistan-Iran frontier.
According to FIA spokespersons, the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, Quetta, launched the operation on secret intelligence and intercepted a group attempting to unlawfully enter Iran. Among those detained were four Bangladeshi nationals — identified as Atiq-ur-Rehman, Shaman, Khairul Hasan, and Ratan Ali — who had earlier slipped into Pakistan without documentation.
Officials also arrested two alleged ringleaders: Nadir, described as a “defamed agent” linked to cross-border trafficking networks, and his assistant Haider. Initial investigations suggest the group was being facilitated to cross into Iran through established smuggling routes in Balochistan.
The FIA said the arrests mark part of an ongoing crackdown on organised human smuggling operations in the province. Recent raids in Taftan and Loralai led to the capture of five traffickers and the rescue of four captives, while earlier operations uncovered nine suspects involved in visa fraud and trafficking schemes that preyed on citizens with false job promises abroad.
The agency confirmed further inquiries are underway to dismantle wider networks operating across the border region.
