The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has decided to blacklist 671 foreign nationals arrested during raids on illegal call centres.
According to sources, the proposed action would permanently prevent the individuals from entering Pakistan again. The decision follows investigations into alleged unlawful activities linked to the suspects.
Authorities reportedly found evidence connecting several arrested foreigners with alleged criminal operations. The FIA is now examining the cases to determine the full scope of their activities.
The agency has also decided to investigate the suspects’ local contacts. Officials want to identify people who may have assisted or participated in the alleged networks.
The FIA’s move to blacklist the foreign nationals is part of a broader government crackdown. The action targets illegal call centres involved in alleged cybercrime and other unlawful activities.
Sources said the Foreign Office has been informed about the development. Relevant countries may also be notified about allegations involving their nationals.
The arrested individuals were allegedly involved in fraud, blackmail and other illegal activities. Some suspects were also allegedly linked to the international distribution of explicit live-streamed content.
Investigators are now focusing on local connections to determine whether wider networks operated through the call centres. The probe could lead to further arrests if additional suspects are identified.
The government has also approved a nationwide crackdown against illegal call centres. A special task force will operate under FIA headquarters.
The task force will monitor operations and submit daily reports to the Ministry of Interior. It will investigate several types of alleged offences linked to illegal call centres.
These allegations include extortion, blackmail, gambling and online scams. Authorities are also examining networks suspected of facilitating cyber fraud.
Officials have reportedly prepared a list of call centres operating in Karachi. Relevant government institutions have been directed to cooperate with the task force.
The crackdown aims to disrupt networks allegedly exploiting digital platforms for unlawful activities. Authorities are also seeking to identify people supporting such operations locally.
The decision to blacklist the arrested foreigners could prevent their return after deportation. It would also form part of the government’s wider response to alleged transnational criminal activity.
The FIA is expected to continue investigating the suspects and their contacts. Further action could follow based on evidence collected during the investigations.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identities or nationalities of all 671 individuals. Officials have also not provided a detailed timeline for implementing the proposed blacklist.
The investigation remains ongoing as the government moves to strengthen action against illegal call centres. The latest measures indicate increased scrutiny of such operations across Pakistan.
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