Iran: Information on land border crossing between Iran and Pakistan and the likelihood that an individual could avoid border officials by crossing on foot or by mule
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 December 1996 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN25531.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Information on land border crossing between Iran and Pakistan and the likelihood that an individual could avoid border officials by crossing on foot or by mule, 1 December 1996, IRN25531.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abedc.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a professor of political science specializing in Iranian affairs at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, illegal border crossing on foot between Iran and Pakistan is possible as the Iran-Pakistan border is not a "solid" border (9 Dec. 1996). This border is used by smugglers for importing or exporting drugs and illegal entry or exit of individuals; there are smugglers who smuggle persons from Iran to Pakistan and vice versa (ibid.). The professor added that Iran's borders with neighbouring countries (e.g., Iran and Pakistan and Iran and Iraq/Turkey) along which ethnic minorities reside (Blanches and Curds, respectively) are not fully controlled by Iranian authorities despite the existence of border guards; therefore, illegal departure and entry of individuals takes place (ibid.).
A representative of Shahrvand, a Persian newspaper in Toronto, stated that it is possible to cross illegally Iran's borders with Turkey and Pakistan on foot (9 Dec. 1996). While unaware of details, the representative added that many Iranians have illegally left Iran for Pakistan and Turkey since the 1979 revolution.
Extended Response to Information Request PAK23523.EX of 10 January 1996, which is available at Regional Documentation Centres, provides additional information on illegal crossing of the border between Iran and Pakistan.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Professor of political science specializing in Iranian affairs at the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston. 9 December 1996. Telephone interview.
Shahrvand, Toronto. 9 December 1996. Telephone interview with representative..
