The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Peshawar Zone’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle has initiated an investigation following complaints regarding the recent Moscow tour of the Pakistan Kyokushin Karate team, amid allegations that the event was used as a cover for human smuggling.
The National Cup Karate Tournament, held in Moscow, Russia, from February 28 to March 2, is suspected of being misused for facilitating illegal migration attempts from Russia to Europe.
Deputy Director Rana Shahid Habib stated that all officials and players who participated in the tournament will undergo thorough scrutiny.
A complete list of participants will be verified, and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found attempting to remain in Russia or illegally travel onward to Europe.
He further said that the FIA is closely monitoring cases of human trafficking conducted under the guise of sports activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sources claim that certain officials and agents associated with both registered and unregistered sports federations have allegedly used international sporting events as a means of facilitating human trafficking.
Authorities have warned that formal cases will be registered if concrete evidence emerges.
All sports associations will now be required to ensure transparency in international participation and obtain a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Sports Board.
The measure aims to prevent fake players from traveling abroad and disappearing, a practice that has reportedly harmed Pakistan’s reputation.
Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate General of Sports allegedly involved in such activities will also face investigation.
According to reports, over the past three to four years, other sports, including football, futsal, and squash, have also allegedly been exploited for human trafficking purposes.
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