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LAHORE, Jul 30 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday dismissed the post-arrest bail plea of human trafficker Hashim Raza, who is accused of involvement in the 2025 Morocco boat tragedy that claimed multiple Pakistani lives.
Justice Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh heard the post-arrest bail petition of the accused and dismissed it on completion of arguments by the parties.
According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the accused had been operating as a land route agent since 2023, facilitating illegal migration to Europe via Morocco’s coastal routes.
Raza allegedly defrauded a Pakistani citizen of Rs. 4 million by promising a work visa for Spain. Instead, the victim was sent to Mauritania on a visit visa, where Raza’s associates — identified as Ali Hassan and Maulvi Usman — attempted to smuggle him into Spain via boat. The boat capsized in Moroccan waters, resulting in the victim’s death.
Despite the victim’s family submitting a reconciliation agreement in court, the FIA presented a strong opposition during the hearing, arguing that the accused was part of a larger human smuggling network. The court, siding with the prosecution, rejected Raza’s bail application.