335 Pakistanis Died in Illegal Migration Boat Tragedies Since 2023, FIA Documents Reveal
Seven major boat disasters involving Pakistanis attempting to reach Europe via illegal routes have been reported since June 2023, while nearly 40,000 passengers were offloaded at airports to curb human smuggling, according to FIA records.
ISLAMABAD: At least 335 Pakistanis have lost their lives in seven major boat tragedies while attempting to reach European countries through illegal migration routes since June 2023, according to official documents of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The documents, obtained by Islamabad Tribune, show that the incidents occurred mainly along migration routes through Greece, Libya and Morocco, highlighting the continuing risks associated with human smuggling networks.
Deadliest Greece Boat Disaster Claimed 207 Pakistani Lives
According to FIA records, the deadliest incident occurred in June 2023, when a migrant boat heading towards Greece capsized. The vessel was carrying 226 Pakistani nationals, of whom 207 died, while only 19 survived.
Another boat accident was reported in December 2024 while migrants were travelling towards Greece. FIA documents state that 69 Pakistanis were aboard the vessel. Twenty-five lost their lives, while 44 were rescued.
Boat Tragedies Continue Along Morocco and Libya Routes
In January 2025, another migrant boat sank near Morocco, carrying 70 Pakistani nationals, according to the official record.
A separate tragedy occurred in Libya in February 2025, where FIA identified 40 Pakistani nationals. The documents state that 23 died, while 13 survived.
The FIA further reported four major boat disasters linked to illegal migration from Libya during 2025–26, including incidents in February, April and October 2025, and April 2026. A total of 102 Pakistanis were affected in these accidents, with 71 fatalities and 30 survivors, according to the documents.
Nearly 40,000 Passengers Offloaded at Airports
The FIA has also intensified efforts to prevent illegal migration by screening outbound passengers at airports.
Official records show that 39,786 passengers were offloaded from airports across Pakistan.
Reasons for Offloading Passengers
- 20,408 passengers lacked the required travel documents.
- 12,673 passengers were offloaded due to suspicious travel plans or low-profile travel profiles.
- 3,450 passengers were on the stop list.
- 505 passengers had incorrect travel routes.
- 281 passengers were carrying forged documents.
- 176 passengers had unsatisfactory travel histories.
- 145 passengers were offloaded for document verification.
- 258 passengers were underage travellers.
- 24 passengers intended to seek employment abroad while travelling on visit visas.
FIA Urges Citizens to Use Legal Migration Channels
The FIA says the measures are part of a broader crackdown on illegal migration and human smuggling networks, urging citizens to use only legal immigration channels.
