Thirty-eight officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) implicated in facilitating human traffickers have been dismissed from service, according to a briefing presented to the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior.

The meeting, chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz, was told that 13 officers have also been arrested in connection with the investigation into the recent Greek boat tragedy. Additionally, 30 FIA officers have been suspended, with charge sheets issued to 12 of them. Bank accounts worth Rs109 million belonging to human traffickers, including the notorious Jaja gang, have been frozen, informed FIA Additional DG Saqib Sultan.

The committee was informed that new legislation is being prepared to impose stricter punishments, including enhanced fines and longer prison sentences, for individuals involved in human trafficking.

“Very strict legislation is being made in the next session,” said Raja Khurram Nawaz. The committee recommended the harshest penalties for those jeopardizing human lives, he added.

Child courts bill approved

The committee unanimously passed a bill to establish child courts to address cases of child abuse. The bill, proposed by PML-N legislator Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar, mandates that magistrates record the testimony of child victims in the presence of psychologists. It also stipulates that child abuse cases must be resolved within six months.

Dual citizenship of bureaucrats

Surprising revelations about dual citizenship among bureaucrats were also made during the meeting. PPP’s Abdul Qadir Patel disclosed that 22,000 bureaucrats, including 99% of federal secretaries, hold dual citizenship.

PTI’s Zartaj Gul demanded further investigation into the matter, prompting the committee to summon officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Establishment Division for the next session.