The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered three cases and detained the father of a suspected human smuggler after 12 Pakistani youths went missing while attempting to travel abroad through the illegal “dunki” route via Iran.

According to FIA sources, the families of three missing youths approached the agency, prompting an inquiry that led to the registration of the cases.

Five people have been nominated, including the alleged agent Aamir Bhobhla, his father Taj Muhammad, his brother Sabir, and two others.

During a raid in Lahore’s border-area village of Bhaseen, FIA officials detained Taj Muhammad. His son Sabir remains at large, while the alleged ringleader, Aamir Bhobhla, has yet to be arrested.

The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Cell has also contacted the Pakistani Embassy in Iran and shared details of the missing youths to help trace their whereabouts.

According to the affected families, seven of the missing youths belong to Bhaseen village, including three cousins — Dilshad, Usama and Waqas.

The families alleged that the agent collected around Rs1 million from each youth before sending them on the illegal route. They remained in contact after reaching Iran, but communication later stopped.

Relatives said they later received ransom demands from one of the missing youths’ mobile phones.

They also claimed the agent sent a video showing three of the youths with chains around their necks, pleading with their families to send money.

The families said the suspected traffickers are now demanding an additional $6,000 for each youth and have threatened serious consequences if the payments are not made.

They have appealed to the government to ensure the safe recovery of the missing youths and take strict action against those involved in the suspected human trafficking network.