Twelve Pakistani youths have gone missing after attempting to travel abroad illegally through the “dunki” route, leaving their families in distress.

According to affected families, seven of the missing youths belong to Bhaseen village in Lahore, including three cousins, Dilshad, Usama and Waqas.

The families said an agent identified as Aamir took lakhs of rupees from the youths and smuggled them abroad. They said the group contacted their families after reaching Iran, but all communication was cut off afterwards.

The families said a further ransom demand was made from one youth’s mobile number. The agent also sent a video of three of the youths, they said.

The families said the video showed the youths in a severely distressed state, with chains around their necks, pleading with their relatives to send money.

They said the agent had already collected Rs1 million per person, but is now demanding an additional $6,000 for each youth, along with threats of serious consequences if the money is not paid.

The affected families have filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency and appealed to the government for urgent action to secure the safe recovery of the missing youths.