ISLAMABAD: Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, Usman Anwar, on Saturday informed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi that the agency has compiled a comprehensive database of individuals involved in human smuggling.

The development was shared during a detailed briefing at the FIA headquarters, where the minister reviewed the agency’s performance and ongoing reforms.

The FIA chief said a transparent and effective accountability system had been introduced within the organisation, alongside the formation of working groups and coordination committees to enhance collaboration with other institutions.

He added that modern technology is being deployed to intensify action against immigration-related crimes, including human smuggling and money laundering.

During the visit, Interior Minister Naqvi ordered a sweeping crackdown on corruption across government institutions, directing authorities to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy in line with the vision of Shehbaz Sharif.

He further stated that the FIA’s reform process would be completed by December, stressing the need to monitor online advertisements offering overseas employment and to raise public awareness about fraudulent schemes.

Naqvi emphasised transforming the FIA into a frontline force against organised crime and assured the agency of full governmental support in achieving this objective.

The minister also inspected ongoing infrastructure development projects at the headquarters and directed officials to expedite completion of construction work.

Meanwhile, the FIA has stepped up internal accountability, penalising 214 officials over the last four months of 2025 amid growing complaints of human trafficking and corruption. Of these, 76 officials were dismissed from service, nine demoted, two removed, and 127 awarded various punishments.

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday briefed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic push to facilitate peace talks between the United States and Iran during a phone call that lasted over an hour.

The conversation comes as Pakistan assumes a central role in mediating the escalating crisis, working closely with regional partners Turkey and Egypt to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders held extensive discussions on the evolving regional situation and efforts aimed at restoring peace.

During the call, PM Shehbaz outlined Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach led by himself, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. These efforts, he said, involve engagement with the United States, Gulf nations, and other Islamic countries to help create a conducive environment for dialogue.

He also highlighted the strong international backing Pakistan’s peace initiative has received, expressing optimism that a collective approach could pave the way for ending hostilities.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran, particularly recent strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s solidarity with the Iranian people and offered condolences over the loss of more than 1,900 lives while praying for the recovery of the injured and displaced.

President Pezeshkian, in response, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and emphasised the importance of trust-building to advance mediation efforts. He commended Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting peace amid the crisis.

PM Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leader and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing its efforts for regional stability.

Separately, the Iranian presidency also acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation role, with President Pezeshkian expressing gratitude for Islamabad’s efforts to halt aggression against Iran.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to host foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt on March 29–30 for detailed discussions on reducing tensions stemming from the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that indirect communication between the United States and Iran is underway through messages relayed by Pakistan. He revealed that a 15-point framework proposed by Washington is currently under consideration in Tehran, with support from Turkey and Egypt to advance the process.