ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone announced the arrest of a human trafficking agent on September 15. The suspect, Waqas Ali, a resident of Pasroor, Sialkot, allegedly sent illegal immigrants to Japan using forged football credentials.
Fake Documents and Fraudulent Visas
Officials said Waqas Ali secured 15-day Japanese visit visas for 17 individuals through the invitation of Boavista Football Club. He used a forged Pakistan Football Federation registration letter and a fake NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Huge Profits from Illegal Scheme
Meanwhile, according to FIA officials, the suspect extorted between Rs4 million and Rs4.5 million from each migrant. The group travelled to Japan on January 1, 2024, but never returned.
Linked to Previous Case
Furthermore, FIA Director Muhammad Bin Ashraf confirmed the involvement of Waqas Ali in another similar case. On June 15, 2025, he sent a 22-member fake football team to Japan. Japanese authorities deported the group upon arrival and alerted the FIA.
Investigation Underway
Importantly, the FIA has registered cases against the suspect. Investigations are ongoing to uncover more accomplices and potential victims of the scam.
Reko Diq Company gets $5.5 billion investment commitments
Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) has secured over $5.5 billion in financing commitments from global financial institutions. The pledges surpass the $3.74 billion debt requirement for the multibillion-dollar copper and gold mining project in Balochistan’s Chagai district.
Construction Timeline Set
The $7.48 billion project is structured on a 50:50 debt-to-equity ratio. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Commercial operations are targeted for 2028, making Reko Diq one of Pakistan’s most ambitious industrial undertakings.
Key Global Lenders Onboard
The US Export-Import Bank has pledged around $1 billion in support. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will provide $300 million. Denmark’s export credit agency has offered guarantees to facilitate bank financing and equipment procurement. These commitments reportedly carry more favorable terms than standard commercial loans.
Bridge Financing for Infrastructure
RDMC has arranged $400 million in bridge financing to upgrade railway links from the mine site to Port Qasim. The work will focus on Main Line-2 and Main Line-3. Officials expect the railway to be ready before the mine starts operations. Efficient transport of extracted minerals is seen as critical to project success.
