Fatwa declares 'dunki' or illegal immigration equivalent to 'suicide'

Jamia Naeemia of Lahore has declared the use of 'dunki' (an illegal immigration method) to travel abroad as contrary to Islamic principles and also against the Constitution of Pakistan.

The statement came after a series of ship capsizing incidents occurred in European waters in December and January, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Pakistanis and leaving several others missing.

The Fatwa signed by Dr Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanafi of Jamia Naeemia declared attempting to settle abroad through illegal means forbidden in the Sharia is equivalent to “suicide.”

"The Fatwa, signed by Dr Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanafi of Jamia Naeemia, declared that attempting to settle abroad through illegal means, forbidden in Sharia, is equivalent to "suicide."

However, Islamic scholars also urged the government to take stronger action against such agents who were profiting from pushing innocent people into these dangerous practices.

The Lahore-based seminary stated that travelling abroad by using dunki is un-Islamic.

Therefore, individuals who wish to travel to foreign countries should utilise legal and safe pathways to achieve their goals.

On January 16, an ill-fated migrant boat carrying at least 66 Pakistanis and heading to Spain capsized in Mauritania waters. 

However, 44 out of a total of 66 Pakistani immigrants on board the ship either drowned or died after alleged torture, while 10 bodies have been recovered. At least 19 others survived, according to media reports.

In another incident in Greece water, at least five migrants died after their wooden boat capsized off on the island of Crete.