Sources in Faryab province say that at least two young men from the area died this week while attempting to reach Iran through irregular migration routes.
One of the victims, Zafar Baik – a resident of Jamshidi village in Pashtunkot district – reportedly died from suffocation in the back of a smugglers’ vehicle inside Iran on Tuesday (November 18). His brother, Khal Mohammad Shuja, a lecturer at Faryab University, wrote on Facebook that Zafar had set out for Iran in search of a livelihood.
The second victim, Taj Mohammad from Paghal-Taghak village in Khawaja Sabazposh district, was killed on Friday. According to relatives, he had been struggling with debt and unemployment and decided to travel to Iran for work. They say he was captured by armed robbers in Iran, and during their transport, the vehicle overturned, resulting in his death.
Local sources say an increasing number of young people from Faryab are turning to irregular migration due to limited employment opportunities, despite the severe risks associated with these routes. Some never reach their destination.
On Tuesday, Iranian media reported that nine people were killed and seven others injured in a road accident involving a vehicle carrying undocumented migrants in Sistan and Baluchestan.
Iran has recently tightened visa issuance for Afghan nationals while also continuing deportations – a combination that has pushed many to attempt dangerous smuggling routes.
