Kidney Trade
Lahore police have captured a mother-son duo, Safia and Shoaib, for their involvement in a decade-long illegal kidney trade operation.
The accused operated from the Raiwind area, targeting financially struggling and uneducated individuals who were desperate for financial relief.
SP Cant Owais Shafiq disclosed that the arrested pair played a crucial role in the notorious Dr. Fawad Mumtaz gang, known for extracting and selling kidneys for a mere Rs0.3 million (approximately $1,000). The police investigation revealed Safia and Shoaib’s pivotal role in facilitating the extraction and sale of kidneys from at least 24 individuals.
The arrest of Safia and Shoaib became known after Naeem, a victim who underwent kidney extraction a year ago without receiving any compensation, filed a complaint seeking justice. This complaint prompted the police to initiate an investigation, leading to the exposure of the illicit kidney trade network.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, and they anticipate further arrests as they dismantle the Dr. Fawad Mumtaz gang.
US Unveils Emergency Hotline For Afghans Immigrants In Pakistan
Meanwhile, responding to the escalating challenges faced by Afghans in Pakistan, the US State Department has launched an emergency hotline designed to aid individuals on a US immigration and resettlement pathway who are confronted with deportation or detainment in Pakistan. The hotline operates from 8 AM to midnight Islamabad time, Monday through Saturday, offering assistance via both phone and WhatsApp (text only) at +1 757-916-4100.
The initiation of this hotline coincides with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to expel illegal immigrants from the country, prompted by a surge in terrorist activities, with several attacks allegedly involving Afghan nationals. Pakistan had set a November 1 deadline for approximately 1.73 million undocumented Afghans, among other illegal immigrants, to voluntarily leave the country or face forced expulsion.
Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai provided an update, stating that around 400,000 illegal immigrants have already left the country. This decision has led to concerns about the fate of Afghan applicants awaiting visas to the US and other Western nations.
