On 16/9, the Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that 22 men departed from Sialkot Airport, purporting to be members of a local football club. Upon arrival in Japan, authorities discovered their documents were forged and promptly deported the entire group.
 |
The fake Pakistani football team deported from Japan. Photo: Times Now |
The fake Pakistani football team deported from Japan. Photo: Times Now
According to Pakistani media, the mastermind behind the operation is Malik Waqas, a known human trafficker. Waqas created a fictitious club called Golden Football Trial and charged each aspiring migrant approximately 14,000 USD. In return, he provided counterfeit documents, ranging from Pakistan Football Federation player registrations to Ministry of Foreign Affairs certifications.
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson revealed the group even received coaching to appear like professional athletes, complete with uniforms and interview preparation. However, Japanese officials quickly identified the fraudulent documentation.
Waqas has been arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to using a similar tactic to send 17 people to Japan in 1/2024. The FIA is expanding its investigation to determine how many individuals have been trafficked abroad using this method.
According to the World Bank, Japan's GDP per capita is 32,476 USD, nearly 22 times higher than Pakistan's (1,485 USD). Many individuals from developing nations seek illegal entry into Japan for higher-paying, undocumented work.
This incident adds to Pakistan's recent challenges, following criticism after a loss to India in the Asia Cup cricket tournament. The 14/9 match in Dubai became controversial when players from both teams, following the umpire Andy Pycroft's instructions, did not shake hands before or after the game.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deemed this action against the spirit of sportsmanship and lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of an attack in Pahalgam.
Hoang An (Times Now News)
