Local sources have told Nimruz TV that organized human smuggling networks continue to transport Afghan migrants through Pakistan’s Balochistan Province into Iran, indicating that irregular migration routes remain active despite intensified border security measures.
According to the sources, smugglers move Afghan nationals from Afghanistan’s Nimruz Province to Nok Kundi in Chagai District before taking them through the Mashkhel area of Washuk District into Iran. The sources further claim that the networks operate with assistance from some local individuals on both sides of the border in an effort to avoid detection by security forces.
The sources said smugglers charge approximately 40,000 Pakistani rupees to transport each migrant from Nok Kundi into Iran. They added that many migrants continue their journeys from Iran toward Turkey and, ultimately, European countries.
The same sources also described a separate coastal route near Kuntani in the Jiwani area of Gwadar, where migrants are allegedly transported into Iran by small boats. According to the sources, the journey costs around 15,000 Pakistani rupees, although they said its use has declined in recent months because of increased security measures.
They further reported that human smuggling has continued despite tighter restrictions at the Chaman border crossing and claimed that transportation costs to Quetta have fallen compared with previous periods.
According to information received by Nimruz TV, nearly 580 Afghan nationals have been detained in Balochistan since May while attempting to travel irregularly to Iran or Europe. The sources also said that at least 11 Afghan citizens died in two separate incidents linked to irregular migration during the same period.
The United Nations has previously warned that Afghanistan’s continuing humanitarian crisis, forced returns of refugees, worsening economic conditions and declining international aid are increasing the risk of human trafficking and migrant smuggling among Afghan citizens.
Nimruz TV cannot independently verify the claims made by local sources regarding the operation of the alleged smuggling networks, routes or financial arrangements, and Pakistani authorities have not publicly commented on the specific allegations described in this report.
