The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities have detained a passenger who allegedly travelled to Europe through illegal routes, an FIA spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, the passenger, identified as Umair Muhammad Ashfaq, arrived in Karachi from Portugal via Turkey.
After initial immigration clearance, officials re-examined the passenger’s documents. During the scrutiny, authorities found that the passport did not carry any exit stamp showing his departure from Pakistan.
Upon further questioning, the passenger admitted that he had travelled abroad through illegal channels.
According to the FIA, the passenger revealed that he had first travelled to Iran in 2016 with the help of an agent. From there, he allegedly moved illegally to Turkey, Greece, Italy and France before finally reaching Portugal through irregular routes.
Officials said that according to the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) records, the passenger’s legal departure from Pakistan could not be verified.
The FIA spokesperson said the passenger has been charged under sections 3 and 6 of the Passport Act, 1974, and taken into custody.
He has been handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Karachi for further legal proceedings, the spokesperson added.