Authorities arrested 257 suspects attempting illegal sea travel to Iran during December 2025, officials confirmed. The crackdown targeted human smuggling and illegal border crossings along the southern coast. Officials said the operation aimed to disrupt organized trafficking networks. Moreover, agencies intensified monitoring during the month-long drive.
According to officials, suspects came from multiple provinces across Pakistan. Punjab accounted for the highest number with 142 arrests. Meanwhile, 63 suspects belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 12 to Sindh. The remaining individuals were from different districts of Balochistan.
Among those detained, authorities identified 34 foreign nationals. These included 30 Afghans, two Bangladeshis, and two Iranians. Investigators said the suspects planned to use Iran as a transit route. Ultimately, they intended to reach other countries illegally.
The arrests took place near Gwadar and Jiwani along the southern coastline. These areas remain common routes for smuggling and illegal crossings. Consequently, law enforcement launched legal action against all suspects. Preliminary investigations have also begun to trace smuggling facilitators.
Authorities stressed that the crackdown remains ongoing. Security agencies continue deploying all available resources to prevent illegal crossings. Furthermore, officials said strong vigilance protects national security and vulnerable individuals. They reaffirmed commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks across coastal regions.
