Thirty-three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Frontier Corps (FC) while attempting to cross into Iran without valid documents. The arrests took place near Taftan on Thursday during a joint operation by the two agencies.
According to sources, the Bangladeshis attempted to enter Iran through the remote Mashkel area in Chagai district of Balochistan province. This area is often used by people attempting to cross into Iran illegally.
The arrested individuals reportedly entered Pakistan legally during June and July. However, they attempted to travel onward to Iran without necessary permits or documentation.
Pakistani news outlet Samaa TV reported that the Bangladeshis were moving in a group when they were intercepted by border security personnel. Upon being asked to show their papers for entry into Iran, they failed to produce any valid documents.
A security official stated that all 33 were arrested on the spot and later handed over to the central intelligence agency for further investigation. Initial assessments suggest the individuals may be linked to a human trafficking network operating along the border.