?Pakistan: 5th position in illegal immigration to Europe?
This heart-breaking event sheds light on the rising trend of illegal immigration from Pakistan to Europe, a phenomenon that has escalated in recent years despite international efforts to curb human trafficking and unsafe migration. Pakistan has now climbed to the fifth position among the countries accounting for the most illegal immigrants to Europe, with thousands of Pakistanis risking their lives every year in pursuit of a better future. The recent tragedy has reignited calls for a more effective response to human smuggling networks, improved economic opportunities within Pakistan, and greater international cooperation to address this escalating crisis. This devastating incident is not an isolated one. It represents a larger and more complex issue of illegal immigration from Pakistan to Europe, a problem fuelled by unemployment, poverty, lack of opportunities, and the illusion of a promising life in Europe. According to the latest 2025 European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) report, Pakistan now ranks fifth among the countries with the highest number of illegal immigrants to Europe. This alarming rise has surpassed traditional migration hotspots like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, placing Pakistan alongside countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq — nations plagued by conflict and economic instability. The primary route taken by illegal immigrants from Pakistan to Europe often begins in major cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, where human traffickers operate networks promising a secure and prosperous life in Europe. The most common route involves travelling from Pakistan to Iran by land, crossing the border into Turkey through treacherous mountainous terrain, moving towards the Libyan coast through smuggling networks, and boarding overcrowded, unsafe vessels from Libya to Italy ot Greece. However, many migrants never make it to their destination, falling victim to drownings, extortion, or captivity in detention camps operated by militias or criminal organisations in Libya. The rise in illegal immigration from Pakistan can be attributed to a combination of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors that push individuals to embark on life-threatening journeys. With unemployment rates hovering around 7% in 2025 and inflation reaching record highs, many young Pakistanis find it impossible to secure sustainable jobs in their homeland. Moreover, the lure of higher wages, improved living standards, and the potential to financially support their families motivates many to pursue illegal migration, even at the cost of their lives.
A major contributor to the illegal immigration crisis is the well-organised human trafficking network operating in Pakistan. These traffickers, locally known as "agents" or "dalals", exploit vulnerable individuals by promising them high-paying jobs in Europe. The agents typically charge anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000 per person, claiming they will safely transport migrants to Europe. However, these journeys often turn deadly, as migrants are crammed into overcrowded boats or left stranded in detention camps along the way. A significant portion of migrants come from rural areas of Punjab, where there is limited awareness about the dangers of illegal immigration. Moreover, social pressure to "send someone abroad" has become deeply embedded in local culture.
Families see having a member settled in Europe as a symbol of status and financial success. This cultural phenomenon has intensified the desire for illegal migration. Pakistan’s inability to crack down on human trafficking networks also exacerbates the crisis. Despite promises from successive governments, law enforcement agencies have failed to dismantle these trafficking rings operating in major cities. Additionally, border security along the Iran-Pakistan border remains porous, allowing traffickers to easily transport groups of illegal migrants into Iran. This negligence has perpetuated the illegal immigration crisis. The surge in illegal migration from Pakistan has placed immense pressure on European Union (EU) countries, especially Italy, Greece, and Spain. According to Frontex's 2025 report, nearly 38,000 Pakistanis have entered Europe illegally in the past 18 months, The EU, already grappling with migrants from war-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan, now faces the additional challenge of managing economic migrants from countries like Pakistan.
European countries have implemented stricter border controls, increased deportations, and cracked down on smuggling networks, but the inflow remains unabated. In response, the EU has pressured Pakistan to take greater responsibility for curbing illegal migration. In March, the EU threatened to impose economic sanctions if Pakistan failed to control the surge in illegal migration, further straining diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Brussels.
