A special court in Gujranwala has sentenced a father and son involved in a human smuggling case linked to a deadly Libya boat tragedy, marking another conviction in Pakistan’s crackdown on illegal migration networks.
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According to officials, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) special court awarded both convicts 22 years imprisonment each, bringing the combined sentence to 44 years. The court also imposed a fine of Rs1.4 million on each accused, totalling Rs2.8 million.
The prosecution told the court that the convicted smugglers had received Rs6.2 million from a family in exchange for illegally sending two brothers to Italy through a human trafficking route. However, the journey ended in tragedy when the migrant boat capsized near Libya, resulting in the deaths of both brothers.
The case was registered after the victims’ family approached FIA Gujranwala following the incident. Authorities launched an investigation into the smuggling network and traced those allegedly responsible for arranging the illegal travel.
The boat disaster occurred in June 2023, when a vessel carrying migrants overturned during an attempt to reach Europe through dangerous Mediterranean routes. The incident highlighted the risks faced by Pakistanis seeking irregular migration through human smuggling channels.
Pakistan has intensified operations against traffickers after a series of migrant boat disasters involving Pakistani nationals in recent years. Officials say human smuggling gangs often lure people with promises of employment and settlement in Europe while charging families large sums of money.
The FIA has repeatedly urged citizens to avoid illegal migration routes and instead use legal channels for overseas employment and education opportunities. Authorities have also warned that strict legal action will continue against individuals involved in facilitating irregular migration.
Illegal migration through North Africa remains a major concern, with overcrowded and unsafe boats frequently attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Many such journeys end in accidents, disappearances or exploitation by trafficking networks.
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The latest conviction is being viewed as part of broader efforts to dismantle organised human smuggling groups operating across Pakistan.