ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has foiled an attempt to travel to Europe by using Umrah as a cover. Immigration officials offloaded four passengers during secondary profiling at Islamabad International Airport before their departure to Saudi Arabia.
Suspicious travel documents raise concerns
According to an FIA spokesperson, officials examined the passengers’ travel documents and discovered that one traveler had previously been deported from Turkey. During further scrutiny, authorities also recovered Azerbaijan visit visas from two passengers.
Moreover, forensic examination of the passengers’ mobile phones revealed details of an alleged plan to misuse the Umrah trip. Investigators said the two men were traveling with their mother under the pretext of performing Umrah.
Investigation uncovers alleged travel plan
The FIA said the suspects intended to send their mother back to Pakistan after landing in Saudi Arabia while they continued their journey toward Europe through illegal channels. Officials added that mobile phone conversations indicated they planned to travel through Baku in Azerbaijan and then use the Serbia route to reach Europe.
Consequently, immigration authorities stopped the passengers from boarding the flight and launched further investigations. The FIA said it continues to strengthen airport screening procedures to prevent human smuggling and illegal migration attempts.
The FIA officials also advised air travelers to follow legal immigration procedures and avoid unlawful travel networks that exploit religious journeys for illegal migration to Europe.
