Forty Pakistani nationals have been deported from Greece and returned to Islamabad on a special flight. The individuals were reportedly arrested after entering Greece illegally through Libya.
According to officials, the deportees belong to several districts in Punjab. These include Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. Only one of the returned individuals is from Islamabad.
The deportees had reportedly been held in different detention camps in Greece before their return. Their arrival has prompted further checks by Pakistani immigration authorities.
At New Islamabad International Airport, immigration officials examined the cases of all 40 deportees individually. The authorities reviewed their travel histories and circumstances before referring them for further investigation.
FIA to Investigate Deportees
Officials said most of the deportees had initially travelled from Pakistan through legal air routes. They allegedly left their intended travel arrangements behind while attempting to reach Europe illegally.
The individuals were later arrested in Greece and subsequently deported to Pakistan. Authorities are now examining their cases to determine the circumstances surrounding their journeys.
The deportees will face investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency’s anti-human trafficking cells in their respective regions. These investigations will focus on gathering information about their travel arrangements and possible involvement of human trafficking networks.
Officials said information collected during the inquiries could help identify individuals who facilitated these journeys. Authorities will take legal action against those found responsible, in accordance with applicable laws.
The investigations may also help officials understand how the deportees travelled through Libya before reaching Greece. However, further details about individual cases have not been disclosed.
Authorities Warn Against Illegal Overseas Travel
The latest deportations highlight the risks associated with attempting to reach foreign countries through illegal routes. Authorities have urged citizens to follow lawful procedures when planning overseas travel.
Officials advised people to obtain passports, visas, and other travel documents through authentic and legal channels. They also warned citizens against relying on unauthorized facilitators for international travel arrangements.
Illegal migration routes can expose travellers to detention, deportation, financial losses, and other risks. Authorities have encouraged prospective travellers to verify their documents and travel arrangements before departure.
FIA Introduces Travel Document Verification Measures
Officials said security and immigration checks remain strict at Pakistan’s airports. The Federal Investigation Agency has also established pre-verification counters at Islamabad Airport and other airports.
These counters allow passengers to verify their travel documents before leaving the country. The facility is intended to help travellers identify potential documentation issues and avoid problems during immigration checks.
Passengers are encouraged to confirm that their travel documents meet the requirements of their destination countries. They should also ensure their travel arrangements comply with immigration laws.
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The 40 deportees will now undergo further investigations in their respective regions. Authorities expect the information gathered during these inquiries to help identify possible facilitators and support further legal proceedings.
