The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a Pakistani man allegedly involved in attempting to secure asylum in Australia through a same-sex marriage arrangement.
According to Deputy Director Immigration Shehzad Akbar, the suspect, a resident of Gujranwala, was intercepted while attempting to travel to Sri Lanka. Officials stated that he was allegedly planning to travel onward and seek asylum in Australia after entering into a same-sex marriage arrangement.
FIA officials said that during a search of the suspect’s mobile phone, material related to asylum claims and same-sex relationships in Australia was recovered.
Authorities further revealed that the individual had a prior history of attempted illegal migration. He reportedly tried to reach Europe via Iran in 2019 through irregular routes but was detained by Greek authorities and later deported to Turkey. In 2022, he was also deported from the Maldives.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted that he had paid 4 million rupees to an Australian citizen named Steven Christopher in connection with an asylum arrangement. Officials claimed that the Australian national visited Pakistan in April 2026, where a same-sex marriage agreement was also signed.
The FIA stated that the accused has been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) Karachi for further legal proceedings.
Authorities continue to investigate the broader network and possible facilitators involved in the case, while emphasizing action against human trafficking and illegal immigration attempts.
