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FIA DG Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir Removed Amid Crackdown on Officials Linked to Greek Boat Tragedy
The government has removed FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir as part of an ongoing crackdown on officials linked to the 2024 Greek boat tragedy. 13 FIA officials have been dismissed, and 65 have been blacklisted. The action follows PM Shehbaz Sharif’s directives.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-29
FIA DG Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir Removed Amid Crackdown on Officials Linked to Greek Boat Tragedy

Islamabad: In a major shake-up, the government removed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir from his position on Wednesday amid an ongoing crackdown on FIA officials. The move comes as authorities take action against those suspected of involvement in human trafficking, following the tragic 2024 Greek boat disaster that claimed the lives of several Pakistani citizens.

According to a notification from the Cabinet Secretariat, Jahangir, a BS-21 officer of the Interior Division, has been transferred and posted as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Establishment Division with immediate effect. Being designated as an OSD effectively places an officer’s services on hold indefinitely without an assigned role.

Action Against FIA Officials

The removal of Jahangir follows the FIA’s dismissal of 13 officials a day earlier, with promotions of three constables also halted. The dismissed personnel include:

  • 8 constables
  • 2 head constables
  • 1 inspector
  • 2 sub-inspectors

The crackdown follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives to cleanse the agency of officials allegedly complicit in human trafficking. The FIA had previously dismissed 37 other officials and blacklisted 65 personnel from postings at immigration checkpoints and anti-human trafficking units.

The Greek Boat Tragedy and FIA’s Role

The action stems from investigations into the December 2024 Greek boat tragedy, in which at least five Pakistani citizens lost their lives after their vessels capsized in the Mediterranean. Over 80 Pakistanis, including minors, were aboard the ill-fated boats.

The FIA’s crackdown primarily targets officers from the Karachi and Gujranwala zones, known hotspots for human trafficking networks. The blacklisted officials include:

  • 3 deputy directors
  • 2 assistant directors
  • 4 inspectors
  • 15 sub-inspectors
  • 13 assistant sub-inspectors
  • 20 head constables
  • 8 constables
  • 1 clerk

Government’s Commitment to Curbing Human Trafficking

Authorities have emphasized that the crackdown is far from over. The FIA continues to investigate human smuggling networks, and further action against corrupt officials is expected.

Jahangir was initially appointed as interim FIA chief in January 2024 by the caretaker government. His removal signals the government’s intention to hold accountable those responsible for lapses in preventing human trafficking.

As Pakistan grapples with rising concerns over illegal migration, the government’s latest actions underscore its resolve to strengthen oversight and prevent future tragedies.
Tagged:

FIA

HumanTrafficking

GreekBoatTragedy
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