More than 10,000 Pakistani citizens have been arrested in Iran this year for attempting to illegally travel to European countries, according to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The arrests, which took place between January and December 15, highlight the increasing efforts of Pakistani youth to reach Europe via Iran, often through dangerous and unconventional routes across Balochistan.

FIA spokespersons revealed that a total of 10,454 Pakistanis were apprehended in Iran, most of whom had crossed into the country through Balochistan's porous border regions. After their arrests, the Iranian authorities handed over the detainees to Pakistan at the border city of Taftan in Chagai district.

The rise in arrests this year marks a sharp increase compared to 2023, during which 8,272 Pakistanis were arrested in Iran.

Pakistani pilgrims at Taftan border crossing, a gate between Pakistan... | Download Scientific Diagram

The FIA further noted that Afghan nationals are also attempting to travel through similar routes to reach Europe, with many of them being detained in Iran as well.

The five districts of Balochistan—Chagai, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar—share borders with Iran, making them key areas for illegal migration attempts. Between 2020 and 2024, over 62,000 Pakistani citizens, primarily from Punjab, have been arrested for illegally entering Iran from Pakistan.

Illegal immigrants in Iraq

In a related development, the presence of around 60,000 illegal Pakistani immigrants in Iraq has come to light.

Many of these individuals, who initially entered Iran as part of pilgrimage groups, have reportedly been involved in begging, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Iraqi authorities have raised concerns over the involvement of Pakistani citizens, particularly young women aged 18 to 25, in begging activities in Iraq.

Reports indicate that some FIA staff members may be complicit in facilitating these illegal activities, with claims of bribery involving Iranian drivers.

The Iraqi government has sent a formal letter of protest to the Pakistani authorities, urging them to take action against the involvement of Pakistani citizens in criminal activities abroad.

The FIA has acknowledged the problem, stating that many of the individuals involved in begging and other illicit activities are heads of families who left women and children behind in Iraq while returning to Pakistan.

The majority of these illegal immigrants hail from various districts of Punjab, including Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, and Gujarat. Among those detained in Iraq, 66 women and children have been apprehended for their involvement in begging.