ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered strict action against mafias involved in illegally sending Pakistanis abroad, Pakistani state media reported on Friday, amid an ongoing crackdown against human traffickers.
The issue of illegal immigration and its consequences has gained significant attention in Pakistan after the arrest of several Pakistani and foreign nationals at airports with forged documents in recent years.
Pakistan has also cracked down on individuals accused of exploiting visas to solicit money in Saudi Arabia, a practice officials warned was damaging the country’s image and could affect genuine visa-seekers.
On Friday, Naqvi presided over a meeting in Islamabad to review performance of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration wing with regard to curbing organized networks involved in illegal immigration.
“Those involved in human smuggling deserve no leniency,” he was quoted as saying by the Radio Pakistan broadcaster. “Pakistan’s reputation could not be compromised under any circumstances.”
