The Pakistani government has blacklisted more than 50,000 passports in an effort to prevent illegal migration to Europe, officials confirmed. The move follows recommendations from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and is part of a broader crackdown on unlawful travel.
According to sources, the passports of hundreds of individuals have also been canceled as authorities tighten measures against human smuggling. The action comes after a rise in incidents where Pakistani migrants lost their lives in dangerous sea crossings.
Since 2017, all individuals deported from foreign countries have had their passports blacklisted to discourage illegal migration. The decision was made after a high-level task force meeting, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought answers from FIA officials regarding actions taken against deported individuals.
Following the meeting, the FIA submitted lists of deported persons to the Ministry of Interior, leading to widespread blacklisting. However, individuals with valid visas or legal travel documents have been allowed to appeal their status.
The Ministry of Law is also reviewing cases where legal rulings may impact blacklisting decisions. Officials say the initiative is a key step in dismantling human trafficking networks and preventing further tragedies linked to illegal migration.