IOM says 109 Pakistanis died or vanished on irregular routes

The International Organisation for Migration has reported that 109 Pakistanis died or went missing last year while attempting irregular migration, placing Pakistan among the countries most affected in the Asia-Pacific region. The figures came from the IOM's Missing Migrants Project and were released as part of a wider assessment of dangerous migration routes.

The report said at least 2,722 people from the Asia-Pacific region died or disappeared globally in 2025, marking a second straight year of very high losses. Afghanistan recorded the highest number, followed by Myanmar, with Pakistan ranking third. The IOM stressed that the true toll is likely higher because many irregular journeys go undocumented and many deaths are never fully traced.

The findings renew attention on the risks tied to unlawful migration from Pakistan, including overland and maritime routes used by people seeking work or safety abroad. The data also reinforces calls for stronger protections, safer migration pathways and more effective prevention efforts.