Despite the horrific incident of a boat capsizing in the Mediterranean off the Greek coast some weeks ago, there is no letup in the people going to Europe illegally from Pakistan as Iran has deported 35 more Pakistanis, who were passing through the country on their way to Greece, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

Iran Border Security Forces say that the boat incident as well as a crackdown on human smugglers have failed to deter Pakistanis from travelling to Europe illegally.

The country’s border officials have handed over these Pakistanis, belonging to Gujranwala and Rawalpindi divisions, to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) personnel, who have now started interrogating them.

More than 300 Pakistani nationals had drowned when an overcrowded boat sank in the Mediterranean off the Greek coast on June 19, 2023.

The latest tragedy exposed the refugee crisis confronting the European Union as tens of thousands seek sanctuary from war, persecution and poverty.

Pakistani Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani disclosed the numbers in a statement Sunday, sending condolences to aggrieved families.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray that the departed souls find eternal peace,” Sanjrani said. “This devastating incident underscores the urgent need to address and condemn the abhorrent act of illegal human trafficking.”

Reporter: Mian Mazhar