64 Deportees From Libya and Greece Convicted in Punjab for Illegal Migration Offences
At least 64 Pakistani deportees who were returned from Libya and Greece have been convicted by courts in Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sialkot after pleading guilty to offences related to illegal migration, according to officials.
The convictions were handed down over the past two weeks following summary trials conducted under Pakistan’s immigration laws.
Courts Award Short Jail Terms and Fines
Special courts in the three districts sentenced the convicted individuals to prison terms ranging from 10 to 15 days and imposed fines between Rs25,000 and Rs50,000.
Since most of the accused had already spent a similar period in judicial custody, that time was counted toward their sentences. After paying the fines, they were released in accordance with court orders.
On Thursday, a court in Gujranwala convicted another deportee under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, sentencing him to the time already served and imposing a Rs50,000 fine.
More Cases Await Court Decisions
Officials said around 200 Pakistani migrants were detained by Libyan authorities while attempting to travel by sea toward Europe. They were later repatriated to Pakistan with assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), about 90 of those deported belonged to the Gujranwala region.
Authorities said 26 additional cases are still pending before courts, with decisions expected in the coming days.
FIA Strengthens Action Against Illegal Migration
The FIA said the names of the convicted individuals have been added to the Passport Control List (PCL), which will restrict them from traveling abroad for at least five years.
Officials added that the agency has intensified its efforts against illegal human smuggling and unlawful migration. During the first half of the year, courts in the region convicted 172 individuals in cases related to illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The FIA reported that between January and early July, courts awarded prison sentences totaling up to 22 years and imposed fines amounting to approximately Rs13.7 million.
Ongoing Crackdown in Central Punjab
Authorities say districts including Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, and Hafizabad have remained a focus of anti-human trafficking operations because of their history of illegal migration cases.
To strengthen enforcement, the FIA has expanded its regional network by establishing additional investigation units and increasing action against individuals and groups involved in human smuggling.
Officials say the continued crackdown is aimed at discouraging illegal migration, dismantling trafficking networks, and promoting safe and lawful channels for overseas employment.
