Over 10,000 Pakistanis Arrested in Iran for Illegal Immigration in 2023, FIA Reports

Islamabad:The **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)** has revealed that **more than 10,000 Pakistani citizens** were arrested in **Iran** this year while attempting to illegally migrate abroad. These individuals were apprehended between **January 1 and December 15, 2023**, after crossing into Iran via unofficial routes from **Balochistan**.

### Details of the Arrests:
According to the **FIA** spokesperson, the arrests took place after the Pakistani nationals entered Iran through **unconventional routes** in Balochistan, particularly in areas near the border regions. The individuals were later handed over by the Iranian authorities to Pakistan at the border town of **Taftan** in the **Chagai District**.

Many of these individuals, along with **Afghan citizens**, were seeking better opportunities in **European countries**. However, a significant portion was caught by Iranian authorities. The number of arrests this year was notably higher than in 2022, with **8,272 Pakistani nationals** detained last year.

### A Growing Trend of Illegal Immigration:
The **FIA** reports that **Balochistan’s five border districts**—**Chagai, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar**—share a porous border with Iran, making it a common route for illegal immigration. Between **2020 and 2024**, more than **62,000 Pakistani nationals** have been arrested in Iran for attempting to cross illegally, with a large proportion of these individuals originating from **Punjab**.

### Iraq’s Growing Concern Over Pakistani Migrants:
In related developments, reports earlier this year revealed that **Pakistani migrants**, particularly those traveling for religious purposes to **Iran and Iraq**, have been involved in **begging**. The **FIA** was alleged to have facilitated the illegal travel of these **beggars** to **Iraq**, a situation that has raised concerns among Iraqi authorities.

Iraqi officials expressed their frustration with the **FIA’s alleged involvement**, sending an official letter to the **Pakistani government**, demanding actions to address the growing issue. The letter highlighted that some **FIA officers** were allegedly bribing **Iranian drivers** to facilitate the illegal movement of Pakistani nationals.

### Illegal Activities and Human Trafficking:
Iraqi authorities have reported that **Pakistanis traveling via Iran to Iraq** have been linked to **drug trafficking**, **human trafficking**, and **begging activities**. It has been revealed that around **60,000 illegal Pakistani immigrants** are currently residing in Iraq. Among them, **Pakistani women** aged between **18 and 25** have been reported to be engaging in begging activities.

### FIA’s Response:
In response to the allegations, the **FIA** stated that many of the **head of families** leave their **wives and children** behind in Iraq before returning to **Pakistan**. The majority of the detained individuals hail from areas such as **Hafizabad**, **Wazirabad**, **Mandi Bahauddin**, **Gujranwala**, and **Gujrat**.

The **FIA** also reported that **66 women** and their **children** were detained in **Baghdad** for involvement in begging activities. The growing issue of **illegal immigration** and **human trafficking** has raised alarms both within **Pakistan** and in **Iraq**, with the potential of **Pakistanis being blacklisted** from entering Iraq in the future.

### Conclusion:
The **FIA** has continued its crackdown on **illegal immigration networks**, focusing on individuals attempting to enter Iran and Iraq through unofficial means. The **Pakistani government** is under increasing pressure to address the growing issue of **human trafficking**, **begging rings**, and illegal crossings, with both Iranian and Iraqi authorities calling for stronger measures to prevent such activities.