THOI: A young man from the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has gone missing in Balochistan while trying to reach Europe via an illegal human-smuggling route known as the ‘dunki’ or ‘donkey flight’.
The missing man was identified as the 25-year-old Wasim Akram. He hails from a remote village of Thoi in Yasin Valley.
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The young man set out on the perilous journey in search of a better opportunities abroad.
According to his family, Wasim left his home last month after being enticed by an agent who promised him a passage through a dangerous and unregulated smuggling network.
His intended route reportedly included crossing through Balochistan and the neighbouring Iran, both of which are commonly used by those seeking to enter Europe illegally.
Family members lost contact with Wasim just days into his illegal trip. The man’s last known communication occurred on the morning of August 25, when he called home around 10:00 am.
After the phone call, all contact was lost. Wasim’s last known location was traced to Dalbandin, a remote area in Balochistan often frequented by smugglers.
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In a troubling turn of events, Wasim’s family received a disturbing video from an anonymous source. The footage showed the young Gilgity and two other men appearing to be held captive; their faces showed clear signs of distress.
The location of the video was not disclosed and the identities of the captors remain unknown.
This has raised fears that Wasim and the other two men have been kidnapped by local gangs for possible ransom.
The Akram family immediately went to local authorities, and appealed to law enforcement agencies in Balochistan for help in locating their son. “We fear for his life”, the man’s cousin, Wajahat Hussain, tearfully said. “We just want him back home, unharmed”.
The use of the ‘dunki’ route, while illegal and fraught with danger, has been increasing. Many young men from underdeveloped regions of the country have been attempting to reach Europe through Iran, Turkey and ultimately Greece or Italy.
The dangerous journey is facilitated by smugglers who charge exorbitant prices to ‘help’ the young men reach the ‘Land of Opportunity’.
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It has so far claimed lives of thousands of people, as migrants face treacherous terrains, extreme weather, and the constant threat of exploitation.