ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said on Thursday it had arrested a “most wanted” human smuggler accused of sending migrants to Europe via Libya’s dangerous sea route, as authorities intensify a crackdown following deadly boat tragedies involving Pakistanis.
The suspect, identified as Waqas Ali — also known as Waqas Butt — was arrested in Gujrat district and was listed in the interior ministry’s “Red Book” of most-wanted human smugglers, the FIA said in a statement.
Pakistan has faced repeated migrant tragedies on the Libya-Europe route, including a February 2025 boat sinking that killed at least 16 Pakistanis, as well as another incident later that year involving Pakistani survivors.
With four cases against him, the suspect was also wanted for his involvement in these tragedies.
“A human smuggler listed at serial number 84 in the interior ministry’s Red Book, Waqas Ali alias Waqas Butt, has been arrested in Gujrat,” the FIA said.
