KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, and West District Police have arrested five suspects during a joint intelligence-based operation in Surjani Town, Karachi, for their alleged links to an interprovincial human smuggling network.
According to officials, the suspects were allegedly involved in transporting undocumented Afghan nationals from Hub to Karachi.
A Rangers spokesperson identified the arrested suspects as Abdul Aziz Brohi, Muhammad Bakhsh Dashti, Ali Hassan Brohi, Nadeem Brohi and Jameel Brohi. The spokesperson said the suspects were transporting two Afghan nationals, identified as Yar Muhammad and Rasool Khan, to Karachi.
Suspects Allegedly Charged Heavy Sums for Smuggling
According to the Rangers spokesperson, the arrested men were allegedly part of a network that charged substantial sums to transport undocumented Afghan nationals, first to Hub city and subsequently to various areas of Karachi.
Officials said weapons, narcotics and a Suzuki loader vehicle allegedly used for human smuggling were recovered from the suspects. The spokesperson added that the men were also accused of involvement in the illegal arms and drug trade.
Alternative Routes Allegedly Used to Evade Arrest
According to the Rangers, the network temporarily accommodated Afghan nationals in various hotels and houses in Hub before arranging their onward transportation to Karachi with the assistance of guides familiar with the routes.
The spokesperson said the suspects allegedly used routes through Manghopir, Band Murad, Surjani Town, the Northern Bypass and adjoining unpaved tracks to evade security agencies.
Up to Rs200,000 Allegedly Charged per Family
According to the Rangers spokesperson, the suspects disclosed during interrogation that they charged up to approximately Rs200,000 to transport a family.
Officials said motorcycles were also used alongside small vehicles, including Suzuki vehicles, to transport Afghan nationals.
The spokesperson further stated that, according to the suspects’ statements, approximately 230 Afghan nationals had been transported to various areas of Karachi over the preceding month.
Search for Other Network Members Underway
The Rangers said raids were being conducted to arrest the remaining members of the alleged network.
Officials said the operation aimed to apprehend additional individuals suspected of involvement in human smuggling and bring them to justice.
