The Perilous Journey of Pakistani Migrants to Europe, A Case Report
In February 2025, Amir Ali, a 21-year-old from Gujranwala, Pakistan, shared his harrowing experience after being rescued from a stranded migrant boat in the Atlantic Ocean. In a video still taken on February 3, 2025, Ali is seen resting with an injured foot, reflecting on his journey that began last summer when he left his village for Spain, hoping for a better life. He had previously failed seven times to secure a visa for European countries.
Ali was among 22 Pakistani men rescued by Moroccan authorities in mid-January. Tragically, at least 43 Pakistanis were confirmed dead, victims of hunger, dehydration, and abuse from human smugglers. The survivors described a nightmarish ordeal, including being packed onto a boat with over 80 others, where they faced extreme hunger and violence. Ali recounted how smugglers discarded their belongings and rations when the boat ran out of fuel, leading to a desperate situation where one man jumped overboard due to starvation.
The economic motivations behind such perilous journeys are stark. Studies from Gallup Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) indicate that the primary reason for leaving the country is a lack of job opportunities. Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reported that over 65,000 people left legally to work abroad in January 2025 alone. Between 2022 and 2024, an average of about 800,000 nationals migrated annually for work, primarily to the Middle East, with a growing number attempting to reach Europe.
According to the article, the annual attempts by Pakistani migrants to enter Europe have steadily increased in recent years: 2020: 2,603 attempts; 2021: 4,167 attempts; 2022: 12,022; 2023: 10,843 attempts; and 2024: 12,022 attempts.
Amir Ali’s family sold livestock and borrowed nearly $10,000 to fund his journey, reflecting the significant financial sacrifices many families make for the hope of a better future. In contrast, the families of those who perished, like Haji Shaukat Ali from Gujrat district, mourn their losses, with roadside signs commemorating the deceased as martyrs.
Despite the risks, many young men remain undeterred. They are inspired by stories of success from relatives and friends who have found better lives abroad. Kashif Ali, who moved to Italy a decade ago, now earns significantly more than he could in Pakistan, showcasing the potential rewards of such dangerous endeavors.
In response to the rising death tolls and public outcry, Pakistan’s government has intensified efforts to combat human smuggling. Recent legislation has increased penalties for smugglers, and a high-level task force has been formed to address the crisis. However, challenges remain, as smugglers adapt their methods, including the use of digital currencies for transactions.
As the cycle of desperation continues, many young men express their willingness to take the risk, believing that the potential rewards outweigh the dangers of the journey, even after witnessing the tragic outcomes of their peers.
