The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan is ramping up its internal controls to address the alarming rise in irregular emigration, particularly following a series of tragic maritime incidents in the Mediterranean. Recent reports indicate that in just one month, Lahore airport authorities detained 2,500 passengers attempting to travel with “fake, suspicious, or incomplete documents.” Overall, 8,812 individuals were stopped from leaving the country in 2024 due to various concerns related to their travel documentation.
In a bid to combat human trafficking and irregular migration, Pakistani authorities are specifically blocking passengers from boarding flights to countries that serve as transit hubs for those aiming for Europe. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and several others. The FIA has committed to a zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking, with intensified operations to clamp down on related networks.
The push for stricter measures comes in the wake of a tragic incident last December, where over 80 Pakistanis perished when a boat sank off the coast of Greece. This prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to advocate for measures against human trafficking and corruption within government entities. Following investigations into the event, numerous FIA officials faced repercussions, with some being arrested and others dismissed or demoted.
However, experts caution that merely adopting repressive measures will not sufficiently deter potential migrants. Contrary to common assumptions, many individuals leaving Pakistan hail from affluent areas where they are influenced by the financial success of families who have migrated to Europe. Research conducted by the Dawn newspaper highlights an increase in departures despite government efforts to discourage emigration. The number of deaths at sea is also a cause for concern, with 2,200 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone, predominantly along the central Mediterranean route.
Financially, the situation in Pakistan remains precarious. The Fitch rating agency recently indicated that the country will continue to rely on external financing this year, despite some fiscal improvements. The external debt exceeds $130 billion, necessitating structural reforms to enhance the economic and governance landscape. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $3 billion loan to assist in stabilizing the country’s foreign exchange reserves and has announced plans to send a delegation by March to evaluate Pakistan’s progress in tackling corruption and enhancing governance.
In summary, while the FIA’s intensified controls aim to stem the tide of irregular emigration and human trafficking, experts argue that deeper economic and societal issues must also be addressed to effectively mitigate the reasons behind migration. The enduring economic instability threatens to exacerbate the crisis, making it imperative for the government to adopt a multi-faceted approach to this pressing issue.
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