Iran has apprehended and deported 45 Pakistani individuals who had illicitly crossed the border, hoping to make their way to Europe, as reported on Monday. The Iranian officials have now handed these violators over to Pakistan’s border patrol.
According to Pakistan’s border authorities, these individuals aimed to migrate unlawfully to Greece and other European nations through Iran. They’ve now been entrusted to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further inquiry. The majority of the deportees, it was added, hail from the province of Punjab.
The issue of unauthorized immigrants has recently been emphasized globally due to the tragic boat sinking incident off the Greek coast, which reportedly claimed the lives of numerous Pakistani nationals.
Read: Greek Boat Tragedy Involving Pakistani Youth
Today, Pakistan is commemorating a day of mourning for the victims of this maritime tragedy. The disastrous incident involved a vessel, said to be carrying between 400 to 750 people, which capsized in the Mediterranean Sea near Greece, losing at least 78 lives. However, according to recent media updates, 104 individuals were rescued and transported to Kalamata, Greece.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning on Monday and established a four-member high-level committee to investigate the loss of numerous Pakistani lives in this devastating event.
Read: Pakistan Mourns Tragic Migrant Boat Capsizing; Key Trafficker Arrested