From Pakistan to Mauritania: man behind a tragic journey

This year, in January, a tragic event came to light when a migrant boat was rescued from the North African coast after being lost in the sea for about 14 days. In this harsh journey, about 50 people lost their lives. All the passengers made a long journey by smugglers based on fake promises, which said they would take them to a safe and legal route in Europe.
Exposing the truth about smugglers, the BBC has reduced the investigation and tracked one of the smugglers – responsible – documentation of its activities in three continents.
Fadi pass- people smugglers
The BBC has tracked Fadi Gujar, who came from Jaura in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Unlike other Pakistani smugglers, who openly advertise online illegal routes, Gurjar maintains a prudent appearance, only shares edited travel footage. Their customers are mainly involved in locals from Jauraha.
The BBC received its information after passing, which is now developing Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), replied to them through voice messages, the survivors claimed that their names were “misused” in connection with the incident, leaving the matter for a divine decision.
His Facebook profile indicates Istanbul as his residence, a known traffic hash. Since July 2022, Tikok has documented its appearance, showing them to remarkable places. Mauritania serves as its operating base, from where the sick vessel departed.
The International Organization for Migration reported the emergence of Mauritania as a smuggling center in 2023, including 14 children with 170 persons, losing on the route this year.
The visit to Europe appeals to many Pakistanis, who seek better opportunities despite the risks. The survivor paid about $ 13,000 (£ 10,000) to Gujar. Migrants generally travel through Ethiopia or Middle Eastern countries to reach Senegal, then enter Mauritania.
The journey records show that Gurjar visited Dakar Airport twice in 2024. Tikok content placed him in Naukchot since October 2024, showing him socializing with Ali and Shahzad with a footage before August 2024.

Break the promise

A survivor named Uzare Bhat said that Gurjar gave false assurances about the safe and legitimate route in Europe. He verified the BBC with the real identity of Gujar, proof of monetary transfer in the registered account for Khawar Hasan.
On reaching Mauritania, the smuggler changed his stand.
“He said that going by air will not work from here. I will send you by a big ship,” Uzair said. “Please cooperate, your visa [to Europe] Will not come through ,
Uzair eventually accepted these conditions.
BBC Verifai discovered three additional migrants, besides Ali, Shahzad and Uzare, who bought trips from Gujar.
Upon arriving at Naukchot, they report to be kept in “safe houses” – hidden buildings in remote streets, where smugglers illegally harassed migrants.
Another person who used different smuggling services confirmed Gurjar’s stay in safe houses.
The BBC Verifai confirmed a place near the boat port, which indicated that Gujarner sometimes visited.

Marine journey

The survivors interviewed by the BBC verified Naukhot in a fishing ship during the initial hours on 2 January. Most of the passengers had arranged their journey through smugglers in Pakistan.
The three -day journey became a deadly two -week examination in the sea.
Uzare reported the continuity of water from departure. Bilalwal Iqbal told how the passengers resorted to consuming seawater, causing the delight.
The remaining people employ the West African crew by smugglers, prevent food and water and administer daily beating.
Iqbal told the BBC Verifife, “I tried to take one of one of his bottles of water, so he hit me with a rope and the effect dropped me back.” “Then they pumiled my thumb with a hammer. I still have those wounds.”
His uncle confirmed Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad, as separated from the crew beating, as reported by the remaining people.
Others died due to lack of food, water and cold.
The remaining people, including the crew, had lost hope till the spots of a large fishing utensils. Uzare Bhat sought help.
The Coastguard directed the ship to Dakhla Port 60 miles away. IOM reported an onboard to 15 deceased, in which 35 were missing and declared dead.

Valid proceedings

Pakistani officials identified Gujar, including ten smugglers. There were many arrests except Gujar.
BBC Saints discovered its recent ticktok activity in Baku, Azerbaijan, although their current place is unconfirmed.
After rescue reports, the authorities detained their mother and brother in Pakistan, so that payment for European routes could be collected on their behalf.
BBC Verifai accessed six Punjab Police reports from the families of boat passengers. They claim that Gurjar received $ 75,000 (£ 56,000) for the January incident. According to reports, three, three partially paid.
Evidence suggests that Gurjar continued the arrangements for the events after January.
In March, while responding to an undercover BBC reporter using the contact details of the survivor, Gujar indicated to know someone who can arrange the journey, offering without direct participation.