FAISALABAD (HRNW) — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Faisalabad has arrested a key suspect allegedly involved in the trafficking and attempted illegal transfer abroad of a minor girl.
According to the FIA, the action was carried out on the directions of Faisalabad Zone Director Saqib Sultan and Deputy Director FIA Composite Circle Faisalabad Tariq Mahmood, under the supervision of SHO/Sub-Inspector Ajmal Hussain.
According to the FIR, on August 15, 2026, immigration officials at Faisalabad International Airport stopped a minor passenger during screening after finding her documents suspicious. Verification reportedly established that the girl was 13 years old, while the alleged marriage certificate presented with her was found to be fake.
Initial investigation indicated that the girl was allegedly being taken to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa. Investigators also reportedly discovered that she had allegedly been married online and that travel documents had been prepared with the assistance of an agent.
The FIA said the involvement of Qari Zahid alias Qari Mujahid emerged during the preliminary investigation, leading to his arrest.
A case, FIR No. FIR-CC-FSD(AHTC)-448/26, has been registered under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, against Qari Zahid, Nikah Khawan Hafiz Anees, and Fayyaz, who is reportedly residing in Saudi Arabia.
Further investigation is underway to identify and arrest other alleged facilitators and suspects.
Human Rights & Child Protection Angle
Protecting children from human trafficking, forced or deceptive marriages and illegal cross-border movement is a fundamental human rights and child-protection responsibility. Authorities must ensure that vulnerable minors receive appropriate protection, privacy, legal assistance, psychological support and rehabilitation throughout the process.
Children allegedly subjected to trafficking should be treated primarily as victims requiring protection, while those responsible for exploitation must be investigated and prosecuted through due legal process.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on information provided by the FIA and preliminary allegations contained in the FIR. The allegations against the suspects remain subject to judicial determination, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
