FILE PICTURE
KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle has made a significant breakthrough in a child trafficking case following a formal complaint from the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.
According to reports, FIA officials arrested the chairperson of a private NGO named “HOPE”, Ms. Mubeena Qasim, who is allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of orphaned children abroad under the pretense of adoption.
The FIR (First Information Report) reveals that from 2006 to 2015, Ms. Qasim, along with employees of the NGO, facilitated the trafficking of at least 23 orphaned children. These children were handed over to families in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Karachi, often just one day after being found.
The NGO falsely claimed that the children were found abandoned near hospitals. However, investigations indicate that fraudulent documents were submitted to obtain U.S. visas for the minors, suggesting a well-coordinated network of deceit and exploitation.
Authorities further disclosed that “HOPE” was not registered with the Sindh Social Welfare Department, nor did it possess a legally approved shelter facility for housing orphans — a mandatory requirement under Pakistani law.
The FIA continues to investigate the network, aiming to uncover all individuals and entities involved in the organized child trafficking ring.
