The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a wanted suspect involved in human smuggling and visa fraud during a major operation by the Anti Human Trafficking Circle Karachi, according to reports today.
According to the FIA officials, the suspect was identified as Abdul Rasheed. He was arrested at the Sialkot International Airport, and then later, he was shifted to Karachi.
Officials said that the accused had been absconding for a long time and was allegedly involved in collecting millions of rupees from citizens by promising to send them to Spain and other European countries through fake Schengen visas and illegal immigration channels.
FIA also said that the suspect is believed to be an important member of an organised human smuggling and visa fraud network. Further investigations are still underway.
In addition to this, major administrative reforms have also been introduced in FIA after the appointment of new Director General Dr Usman Anwar.
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According to the sources, powers to suspend FIA officials have now been transferred to lower level authorities to speed up accountability within the institution.
Under the new rules, the authority allowed to start departmental action against an officer will also be able to suspend that officer initially.
Officials also said that the move is expected to end delays and make sure of faster accountability.
The initial suspension period for officials has been fixed at 120 days, during which investigations must be completed.
A new rule has also been introduced stating that any FIA official arrested or sent to jail in a criminal case will be considered automatically suspended from the day of arrest.
Officials described the move as part of a zero tolerance policy within the agency.
Saudi Arabia cancels thousands of work visas
Saudi Arabia has cancelled more than 7,200 work visas issued to establishments found violating labour laws following large-scale inspections conducted across the country.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, authorities also suspended key government services for the violating businesses after uncovering widespread labour-related breaches during nationwide monitoring operations.
