Human smuggling mafia goes out of control

Islamabad : Human smuggling remains a considerable challenge in Pakistan, with traffickers exploiting land, sea, and air routes to transport individuals illegally to destinations, primarily in Europe. The authorities continue efforts to combat this illicit trade, but smugglers adapt to enforcement measures, making it an ongoing issue.

But, a distressing and reprehensible concern is that officials of FIA deployed at different International Airports of the country, have become part of the human smuggling mafia and facilitating them against heavy extortion. Virtually, more than 40 officials have been dismissed from their services, while, many have been booked under anti-human smuggling law and facing court cases.

The FIA officers engaged dealing with the human trafficking cases, disclosed there are three primary routes from Pakistan for Human Smuggling – land, sea and air routes – leading European countries. While, from Pakistan to cross the borders, there are four trails to illegally pass through into the neighbouring countries, the Human Smugglers primarily use Pakistan’s porous borders to facilitate illegal migration, including, Naukundi Route, a key pathway through Balochistan, allowing access to Iran and Afghanistan. The other route is Karachi to Taftan Border, the smugglers utilize the RCD highway, leading migrants through Zahedan, Iran, and onward to Turkey and Europe and Karachi to Lasbela and Kech Districts, provide access to the Iranian border, facilitating further transit and lastly Quetta and Western Balochistan route from where the smugglers transport migrants through border towns such as Taftan, Mashkel, and Rajay, which serve as gateways into Iran and beyond.

While, through Sea routes, many illegal migrants attempt dangerous sea crossings from Pakistan. By using Port of Gwadar, the Coastal Highway connects Karachi to Gwadar, where traffickers organize sea voyages and departures from Pasni, Jiwani, Pishukan, and Surbandan, migrants are placed on boats navigating the Gulf of Oman toward Iran, with the ultimate goal of reaching Turkey and Europe. And by using Air Routes, for those with financial means, air routes provide an initial legal departure point; Karachi to Dubai and onward to Libya: Some migrants use valid passports and visas to travel legally to Dubai before moving to Libya.

Mediterranean Crossing; From Libya, traffickers transport individuals via sea to Italy, often in unseaworthy vessels, hoping for interception by European authorities.

Many boats of illegal migrants have capsized including Greece Boat Tragedy (June 2023) – One of the deadliest incidents occurred off the coast of Greece, where a fishing boat carrying over 700 migrants capsized near Pylos. Over 500 people were reported missing or dead, with survivors confirming that the boat was overcrowded and lacked basic safety measures.

Italy Shipwreck (February 2023) – A migrant boat from Turkey sank near the southern coast of Italy, leading to the deaths of at least 60 people, including children. The vessel hit rocks in rough waters near Calabria. English Channel Incident (December 2023) – A small boat attempting to cross from France to the UK capsized, causing multiple casualties and rescue operations by both British and French authorities.

At least four tragedies happened in 2024 including, Pakistan-Greece Boat Tragedy (December 2024) – A boat carrying Pakistani migrants sank off the coast of Gavdos Island, Greece. Five Pakistanis were confirmed dead, while 35 others were presumed dead. The boat was reportedly carrying over 200 migrants, and Greek authorities called off the rescue operation after several days . But survivors of the disaster revealed that many immigrants were killed by human traffickers following a dispute between the smugglers and the victims' families over increased extortion demands.

Mumbai Ferry Collision (December 2024) – A passenger ferry with 110 people on board collided with an Indian Navy vessel near the Gateway of India in Mumbai. At least 13 people were confirmed dead, and several others were missing. Following this accident, authorities made life jackets mandatory for all ferry passengers in Maharashtra

Nouakchott Migrant Boat Disaster (July 2024) – A boat carrying West African migrants sank off the coast of Mauritania, leading to a high number of fatalities. These incidents highlight the dangers of illegal migration and unsafe maritime travel. Authorities continue efforts to prevent such tragedies, but human smuggling remains a persistent challenge.

However, Pakistan has enacted several laws to curb human smuggling and comply with international commitments, with, Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance (2002) that indicates criminalize human trafficking, including aiding illegal migration. Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), Section 370 & 371 imposes penalties on individuals involved in forced labor and smuggling activities.

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Act grants powers to the FIA to investigate and prosecute human smuggling cases. United Nations Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants (2000) says Pakistan is a signatory, requiring the country to implement measures against smuggling networks.

Border Enforcement and Immigration Control measures suggests enhanced surveillance at key border crossings and airports, deployment of biometric verification systems, and collaboration with international agencies to dismantle smuggling networks. But, despite stringent laws, human smuggling persists due to sophisticated smuggling networks. Traffickers quickly adapt to new legal and enforcement strategies. The mafia introduced heavy corruption and hired some officials positioned at international airports, border checkpoints to facilitate illegal migration. Inconsistent coordination between nations allows traffickers to exploit loopholes.