If any team member remains in Russia or attempts to escape to Europe, legal action will be taken.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). PHOTO: ARCHIVE
PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar Zone Anti-Human Trafficking Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has received complaints about the recent tour of Moscow, Russia, by the Pakistani Kyokushin Karate team, suggesting the involvement of immigrants and attempts to illegally flee from Russia to Europe.
The National Karate Cup, held in Moscow from February 28 to March 2, allegedly served as a cover for human trafficking.
FIA Peshawar Zone Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Deputy Director Rana Shahid Habib told media representatives that according to the complaint, all officials and members of the Pakistan Kyokushin Karate team who participated in the Moscow event will be subjected to a thorough investigation. A complete list of participants will be verified. If any individual remains in Russia and attempts to escape to Europe, strict legal action will be taken against him.
He added that the FIA is closely monitoring human trafficking under the guise of sports in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
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According to reliable sources, several officials and agents of official and unofficial sports federations and associations have been using international events for human trafficking. They will be investigated and if concrete evidence is found, strict legal action and formal cases will be initiated against them.
All associations and federations shall ensure that participation in international competitions is transparent and that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is obtained from the Pakistan Sports Board. This will prevent fake players from joining teams and disappearing abroad, thereby damaging Pakistan’s reputation.
Deputy Director Rana Shahid Habib also stated that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate officials involved in human trafficking through sports will also be investigated.
According to sources and media reports, in the last three or four years, other sports, including football, futsal and squash, have also been allegedly used for human trafficking purposes.
