In a tragic incident, at least 9 Afghan citizens were killed and 10 others seriously injured when their vehicle collided with a fuel tanker in the Nokundi area of Balochistan province, Pakistan.
Kabul 24: The accident occurred on Sunday (December 21, 2025). According to reports, the bodies of the victims, along with the injured, have been transferred to Afghanistan and handed over to their families in various provinces, including Kabul and Herat.
The victims were attempting an illegal migration to Europe via Iran, facilitated by an organized human smuggling network. Most were young men and middle-aged individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The driver of the vehicle was among the deceased.Pakistani authorities stated that the tanker was en route to the Iranian border when the severe collision caused a fire and explosion.
Emergency and border forces quickly arrived at the scene, but the intensity of the crash claimed multiple lives.This incident once again highlights the deadly risks of human smuggling routes for Afghan migrants.
In recent years, thousands of Afghans have fled poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, taking perilous paths through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and onward to Europe. Smuggling networks often exploit desperate individuals with false promises, leading to frequent tragedies on these routes.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly warned about these “death routes,” urging regional governments to crack down on traffickers and establish safe, legal migration pathways.
Meanwhile, forced deportations from Iran and Pakistan have intensified pressure on Afghans, pushing many toward these dangerous journeys.
Families of the victims in Afghanistan are in mourning, while Taliban authorities have announced they are investigating details and coordinating support for survivors.
This tragedy underscores the profound migration crisis and lack of opportunities in Afghanistan, which continues to endanger thousands of lives.
