RAWALPINDI, May 10: As many as 59 Pakistani illegal immigrants deported by Greece authorities escaped from Benazir Bhutto Airport on Thursday after breaking through the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cordon, though majority of them were recaptured later on.

At least three officials of FIA immigration sustained cuts and bruises after they were thrashed by the deportees who claimed that they had already spent harsh days in Greek detention camps and they were again being humiliated and tortured by their own people in the country.

It all started when a Gulf Airline flight GF-770 with 59 Pakistani illegal immigrants on board arrived at Benazir Bhutto International Airport at about 6:00am. They were handed over to the FIA’s anti-human smuggling staff for further proceeding.

Eye witnesses said: “They chanted a slogan in unison, pushed the immigration staff aside, kicked and punched those who tried to block them and ran out of the international departure lounge while the immigration and security staff remained silent spectators.”

According to security sources, of the 59 deportees, 48 were recaptured by the FIA after making hectic efforts.

Deputy Director FIA Immigration Urooj-ul-Hassan, when contacted, said that they were not having appropriate security arrangements to handle such a large number of people who had already faced imprisonments.

Opinion

Editorial

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...