FIA to deploy AI-based system to trace most wanted suspects

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has developed an artificial intelligence-based system aimed at tracing criminals by generating real-time visualisations of their appearance, according to FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar.

Speaking about the initiative to Dawn, the FIA chief said the agency’s red book, which contains information on most wanted suspects, is being updated with new features. He said AI-powered tools are being used to create fresh visuals of suspects based on older photographs, allowing the agency to identify individuals even if their appearance has changed over time.

Dr Anwar said the system would make it difficult for wanted individuals to conceal their identity by altering their looks. He said that even if a suspect had gone bald or grown a beard, the agency would still be able to track their identity through the updated system.

The revised red book will be made available online to relevant FIA officers as well as the general public. According to the FIA DG, it will contain a wide range of information, including details of family members and known associates, CNIC, passport and mobile phone numbers, distinguishing marks, bank account details, information related to first information reports, and the status of court cases.

He added that the updated record would also include the modus operandi and operational areas of human smugglers, along with the routes they use and their last known locations. Dr Anwar said 143 human traffickers wanted in different cases registered in FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking circles are currently listed in the red book.

Digital reform agenda

Dr Anwar said digital transformation remained a central part of the FIA’s reform and modernisation programme. He said the use of modern technology was helping not only in curbing crime but also in improving transparency, efficiency, supervision and data-based decision-making. "Through systematic digitisation of investigations, inspections, accountability, and human resources processes, FIA has moved toward institutionalising e-governance and modern law enforcement practices," he stated.

He said the agency’s efforts were focused on replacing manual and fragmented procedures with integrated digital systems, enabling real-time oversight, improving the integrity of records and strengthening connectivity between institutions.

The FIA chief also said an internal accountability mechanism based on digitised procedures, including fact-finding inquiries and departmental proceedings, was already operational and would be strengthened further.

He further shared that the Centralised Immigration Monitoring and Control Centre at FIA headquarters was also being upgraded and relocated.

Measures against human smuggling

Responding to a question about incidents involving migrant boats capsizing, Dr Anwar said the FIA was taking strict steps to prevent such tragedies. He said the legal framework had been strengthened and that action against human smugglers was continuing.

He added that FIA personnel found negligent had been reprimanded. The FIA DG also urged young people seeking employment to use legal channels and avoid putting their lives at risk.