According to FIA officials, the group was booked on a private airline’s flight and was scheduled to travel from Dubai to Jeddah.

Initial questioning revealed that the passengers had planned to use the Umrah route as a cover before proceeding illegally by boat toward Libya and onward to Europe.

Officials said mobile phone data showed links with suspicious international numbers and communication with an Egypt-based agent named Sajid.

Chat records retrieved from the devices included discussions about accommodation arrangements in Egypt.

All the detained individuals belong to Faisalabad and Jaranwala.

The FIA has shifted the suspects to its Circle Office for further investigation.