FIA arrests key suspects in Greece boat tragedy

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended two principal suspects, Waqas Ahmad and Sajid Mehmood, linked to the recent Greek boat tragedy involving smuggled individuals.

Ahmad, a Wazirabad resident, allegedly functioned as a middleman, amassing funds to facilitate illegal migration to Europe, with purported connections to Libyan traffickers. He was detained by the FIA’s Anti-Trafficking Circle Gujrat following identification by a victim’s family.

Ahmad’s arrest could lead to further detentions, with potential charges under the Trafficking Act, according to Rana Abdul Jabbar, FIA’s Additional Director General North who also indicated that some culprits might face life sentences.

The FIA is liaising with authorities in Libya, Italy, and Greece to address the issue.

Mehmood, from Mandi Bahauddin, had previously evaded law enforcement despite facing similar charges. He was finally apprehended at Karachi Airport on Sunday.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a four-member committee to probe the incident and identify the traffickers involved. He has also declared Monday a national day of mourning.