ISLAMABAD: A case of alleged recruitment of Pakistani youths for the Russia-Ukraine war has surfaced, with claims that a human-trafficking network is luring young men to Russia through promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into war-related activities against Ukraine.
A formal complaint has been submitted to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, Rawalpindi, prompting the authorities to initiate an inquiry into the matter.
The complainant, Mansoor Akhtar Jamal, stated in his application to the FIA that he fell victim to the network. He claimed he was promised a legal work permit, a secure job and a monthly salary ranging between Rs500,000 and Rs600,000 before being sent to Russia on a “cook” visa.
The application stated that approximately Rs4.75 million was paid to an agent identified as Hisham bin Tariq through the bank account of the complainant’s elder brother, Mahmood Akhtar Jamal, to facilitate the process.
The complaint alleged that Hisham bin Tariq and his alleged associates target Pakistani youths by offering a better future and lucrative salaries abroad. However, according to the complainant, the situation changes drastically once the recruits arrive in Russia.
Mansoor Akhtar alleged that after reaching Russia, he was pressurised to join the Russian military and participate in combat activities against Ukraine.
The victim said he contacted his family in a state of fear and distress, leaving his relatives deeply traumatised. He further claimed that with the assistance of Pakistan embassy and other sources, he was eventually brought back to Pakistan after considerable effort and additional financial expense amounting to millions of rupees.
The complainant also provided the FIA with bank transaction details, online payment records and other financial documents as evidence.
The FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, Rawalpindi, has registered Inquiry No 266/26 on the complaint.
The complainant has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to take immediate action against those involved in human trafficking in order to prevent more Pakistani youths from falling prey to such networks.
