AI is used by the FIA to identify fugitives

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has implemented an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system that can identify fugitives in real time by reconstructing and updating their appearance, making it more difficult for criminals to avoid detection. This is a significant step toward tech-driven policing.

The agency is upgrading its traditional “red book” of most-wanted suspects into a dynamic, digital platform at this time.

The redesigned system, according to FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, employs AI-based techniques to create new visual profiles of suspects based on prior photos, enabling authorities to trace people even if they have drastically changed their appearance.

He added that it would now be “impossible” for criminals to hide their identities through physical changes, noting that the system can still identify a suspect regardless of whether they had grown a beard or gone bald.

The updated red book extends beyond visual identification and will be available online to FIA officials and, to some extent, the general public.

It contains comprehensive profiles of suspects, including information about family members and known associates, CNIC and passport numbers, mobile phone numbers, distinguishing characteristics, bank account details, FIR records, and the current state of court proceedings.

Additionally, the database tracks the operational routes and last known locations of human traffickers.

The FIA chairman claims that the system presently lists 143 human traffickers who are wanted in various instances throughout the agency’s Anti-Human Trafficking rings.