The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered a new “Dunki” route allegedly used by human smugglers to move people from Pakistan to Europe through Azerbaijan.
According to the FIA report, traffickers are sending migrants to Azerbaijan on valid visas and then helping them attempt illegal entry into European countries through irregular routes.
The report said 166,034 Pakistanis travelled to Azerbaijan over the past three years, and a significant number did not return.
In 2024, 44,943 Pakistanis travelled to Azerbaijan, while 2,676 remained abroad.
In 2025, 47,491 travelled to the country, and 2,495 did not return.
During the first five months of 2026, 14,200 Pakistanis went to Azerbaijan, and 2,550 had not returned when the report was prepared.
The FIA said these figures suggest that Azerbaijan has emerged as a transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe through illegal channels.
Last year, the European Union praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb illegal migration and said attempts by Pakistani nationals to reach Europe through illegal “Dunki” routes had fallen by 47%.
The appreciation came from European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Brussels.
Naqvi said Pakistani authorities arrested 1,770 human smugglers and facilitators during the year under a zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking and illegal migration.
Both sides also agreed to boost cooperation through intelligence sharing, coordinated action, and stronger collaboration to fight illegal migration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.
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