Iran deports 52 Pakistanis attempting to enter Europe

CHAGAI: Iranian border forces have deported at least 52 Pakistanis who were arrested while attempting to enter Europe illegally through the Taftan border.

According to sources, the Pakistani migrants were handed over to Balochistan Levies at the Mir Javeh-Taftan border near Chagai district.

Among the individuals deported, 43 hailed from Punjab, eight from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one person each from Sindh, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The arrested Pakistanis had embarked on a journey to Greece and other parts of Europe in search of employment.

The incident follows a tragic occurrence from last week when a boat carrying an estimated 800 illegal immigrants, including approximately 400 Pakistanis, sank in the Mediterranean Sea near the Greek coast en route to Italy.

The incident garnered international attention, shedding light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking and the risks associated with illegal immigration.

According to media reports, a total of 104 people have been rescued so far, with at least 13 of them identified as Pakistanis.

The bodies of 81 victims have been recovered, while the fate of the remaining individuals remains unknown, fueling fears of their death.

In response to the tragedy, Pakistan declared a national day of mourning on Monday, with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reportedly intensifying its crackdown on human traffickers operating throughout the country.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan, said that “the investigation committee will submit its report within a week, and appropriate measures will be taken based on its findings.”

Meanwhile, FIA Director General Mohsin Hasan Butt chaired a meeting of the FIA’s Inter-Agency Task Force, which included officials from relevant ministries, to discuss the recent boat incident in Greece.

It was decided to organise seminars in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujarat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to raise awareness on illegal migration and human traffickers.