Multan: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration has arrested an alleged agent involved in an organised network reportedly engaged in sexual exploitation and human trafficking under the cover of Umrah visas at Multan International Airport.

According to the FIA Multan Zone spokesperson, the action was initiated after a female passenger, identified as Anisha Bibi, was stopped during immigration clearance while travelling to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa aboard flight SV801.

The passenger was referred to the shift in-charge for further scrutiny after immigration officials found her case suspicious. During preliminary investigation, evidence allegedly indicating an attempt to send the woman abroad for sexual exploitation was recovered.

The FIA said examination of the passenger's mobile phones, chats and other digital material revealed alleged evidence related to commercial sexual exploitation.

During questioning, investigators obtained important information regarding an alleged organised network. According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged gang leader was operating the network from Saudi Arabia.

The FIA said an agent based in Saudi Arabia had allegedly arranged the passenger's travel to the country under the cover of an Umrah visa, with a purported plan to subject her to sexual exploitation there.

The woman's mobile phones and other relevant material have been taken into custody for further investigation. The passenger and the arrested agent were handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Multan.

The FIA said further investigation and legal proceedings are underway, while the scope of the probe has been expanded to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the organised network.

The agency said action would be taken against all elements found involved in sexual exploitation and human trafficking in accordance with the law.