Syed Ali Shah:
Iranian authorities apprehended more than 10,500 illegal Pakistani immigrants in various parts of Iran and handed them over to Pakistani authorities at the Pak-Iran border in Taftan during 2024. This marks a significant rise compared to 2023, when 8,000 individuals were caught and deported.
Sources in the Balochistan Levies Department revealed that most of the immigrants originated from Punjab and were attempting to reach European countries like Greece via Iran and Turkey. Poverty, unemployment, and rising inflation are the main factors driving this trend.
Aslam, a resident of Punjab, described his reasons for taking such a perilous journey. “There are no jobs, and inflation is crushing us. We are left with no choice but to risk everything for survival,” he shared. Similar sentiments were expressed by Waqas Ahmed and Shahid Khan, who also cited economic hardships as their motivation for migration.
A senior official at the Taftan border stated, “The increase is alarming compared to last year. Most of these immigrants are unemployed youngsters desperate for better opportunities.” The official requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Iranian security forces remain vigilant, intercepting illegal immigrants across the country before transferring them to Pakistani authorities at Taftan. The escalating numbers underscore the pressing need for economic reforms and job creation in Pakistan to prevent such hazardous attempts.
This ongoing issue highlights the socio-economic challenges facing Pakistan’s youth, forcing many to risk their lives in search of a better future abroad.
