ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan will soon launch an “artificial intelligence-driven application” to track and arrest smugglers by digitizing its “red book” of most wanted criminals, a senior official said.
The initiative marks a major shift in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FIA) strategy, moving from static paper records to a real-time digital surveillance system.
This application profiles 143 high-priority targets currently listed for exploitation of the public. The core feature of this application is the integration of AI-based facial recognition tools.
“As human smugglers often rely on old records and frequently change their appearance, this application incorporates AI-based tools that can identify individuals through their key facial features, even in cases of disguise,” FIA Director Mohammad Nouman Siddiqui told Arab News, adding that the digitized Red Book will be accessible to both officials and the public.
In 2023, a fishing trawler carrying hundreds of migrants capsized near Greece, killing at least 82 people, including dozens of Pakistanis. A year ago, another boat carrying migrants sank near Libya, also resulting in Pakistani casualties. These tragedies attracted international attention and raised questions about the role of organized human smuggling networks operating across borders.
The FIA estimates that smugglers charge victims 3 million to 4 million rupees ($10,000 to $14,000) per person.
“These human smugglers lure their victims with fabricated stories of success, often leading to tragedies such as boat capsizing incidents that claim lives and tarnish the country’s reputation,” Siddiqui said.
The new application will provide detailed documentation about the suspect, including computerized national identity card (CNIC) and passport details, telephone number, bank account records and the status of ongoing court proceedings against the suspect. Siddiqui said the digital platform will also create a map of the suspect’s family and inner circle to close loopholes used by fugitives to evade arrest.
“We believe this AI-driven app will significantly enhance our already rigorous efforts to combat crime and people smuggling,” Siddiqui added.
