Key member of human trafficking gang forcing women to beg in Saudi Arabia arrested at Faisalabad airport

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a key member of an international human trafficking gang allegedly involved in forcing women to beg in Saudi Arabia under the pretext of performing Umrah, reported 24NewsHd TV channel Sunday.

According to FIA officials, the Composite Circle Faisalabad apprehended the accused, Muhammad Sharif, at Faisalabad International Airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia. He was declared a proclaimed offender and had been placed on Interpol’s Blue Notice list.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Sharif was the ringleader of a transnational network engaged in smuggling innocent Pakistani citizens—particularly women—to Saudi Arabia.

The victims were reportedly lured with false promises of free Umrah trips and employment opportunities. Once in Saudi Arabia, they were forced to beg in an organized manner, with the gang collecting their earnings.

Officials said that two other accused linked to the same network, Zahoor Ahmed and Muhammad Ghafoor, had already been arrested earlier. The latest arrest marks a significant development in FIA Faisalabad Zone’s ongoing crackdown on human trafficking syndicates.

An in-depth investigation has been launched to trace other members of the network and identify victims who were exploited abroad. The FIA reiterated its commitment to pursuing all perpetrators involved in cross-border human trafficking and exploitation schemes.