At Sialkot International Airport, immigration and FIA staff stopped a passenger who tried to board flight PF-720 to Saudi Arabia claiming to perform Umrah, after initial questioning raised suspicions. The traveller was identified as Muhammad Abu Bakar and was offloaded by airport authorities following checks that suggested plans to travel onward to Europe using forged documents.
Officials said the passenger’s answers about his travel plans were unclear, prompting a deeper search. Examination of his mobile phone produced material indicating an attempted onward journey to Europe, and a black laptop in his hand-carry bag drew further scrutiny. On closer inspection, two fake Spanish cards were recovered from behind the laptop’s LED panel, described by investigators as a counterfeit residence card and a counterfeit health card likely prepared to facilitate illegal entry into Spain.
During questioning the man reportedly admitted he had struck a deal with an agent based in Wazirabad worth Rs9.2 million. The plan, according to the confession, was to fly to Jeddah, destroy Pakistani documents there, then move through Turkey before entering Spain. FIA Sialkot officials called the attempt a well planned human smuggling bid that was thankfully foiled in time.
The passenger was shifted to FIA Composite Circle Sialkot for legal proceedings as authorities opened a broader investigation to trace and arrest the agent and others involved. An FIA official said the inquiry is being expanded and added that such incidents are not isolated, underscoring the need for continued vigilance at departure points like Sialkot airport.
Separately in Gujranwala, a ceremony organised by Director FIA Gujranwala Zone Muhammad Bin Ashraf saw 11 officials receive promotions. Deputy Director Sialkot Airport Muhammad Riaz Khan and Deputy Director Circle Gujranwala Rana Shehbaz Ahmed Khan were among those present as promotion badges were pinned on the officers.
ASI Imran Anwar was elevated to the rank of Sub-Inspector, while several officers were promoted from Head Constable to Assistant Sub-Inspector, including Hafeez Rehman, Mian Waheed, Taimoor Siddiqui, Muhammad Ashraf, Yasir Idrees, Tahir Zulfiqar, Waseem Ahmed, Matee-ur-Rehman and Samiullah.
Director Muhammad Bin Ashraf congratulated the promoted officials and reminded them that promotion is a test of duty and integrity, instructing them to work honestly, avoid negligence, ensure merit in their duties and treat citizens respectfully. The modest event concluded with tea served to participants.
