Naqvi pledges crackdown on corruption and human smuggling during FIA visit

WEB DESK: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has vowed to transform the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into a “frontline force” against organised crime, mandating a sweeping crackdown on institutional corruption and a December deadline for agency-wide reforms.

During a high-level visit to the FIA headquarters in Islamabad on Saturday, the Minister reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects and chaired a strategic session aimed at aligning the agency with the Prime Minister’s “zero-tolerance” vision, according to the Express Tribune.

Naqvi emphasised that the modernisation of the FIA is a top priority, ensuring that the agency is equipped to tackle evolving threats such as money laundering and cyber-enabled fraud.

Digital vigilance and public safety

In a move to protect citizens from international exploitation, the Interior Minister directed the agency to implement rigorous online monitoring of overseas job advertisements.

Highlighting the risks of fraudulent recruitment, Naqvi called for a robust public awareness campaign to insulate the workforce from misleading offers.

The Minister assured the agency of the government’s unwavering support at every level, asserting that the FIA must lead the charge against the syndicates that undermine national security and public trust.

International success in curbing illegal migration

The briefing, led by Director General FIA Usman Anwar, revealed that the agency has compiled comprehensive data on human smugglers and their facilitators.

This domestic push follows a significant diplomatic victory in Rome, where Naqvi recently met with his Italian, Spanish, and Greek counterparts.

European ministers praised Pakistan’s proactive measures, which have resulted in a 47pc reduction in illegal migration towards their borders.

The four-nation conference concluded with an endorsement of Pakistan’s proposal to replace irregular movement with structured, legal pathways, a strategy aimed at dismantling the business model of human traffickers while meeting international labour demands.