Iranian authorities have deported 45 people of Pakistani origin who had illegally crossed into Iran en-route to other countries.

The Pakistani citizens were rounded up by Iranian authorities and handed over to Pakistan where they are now being investigated by the Federal Investigation Agency.

Reports said that the people were planning to travel to Nigeria, Greece and other countries via Iran.

The men arrested had crossed into Iran illegally from Gwadar a few days ago.

Border authorities said that were 32 of these people were from Punjab, nine from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four from Sindh.

Similar cases in the past have involved people travelling from Punjab into Balochistan to eventually cross into Iran from Gwadar, Turbat, panjgur, Taftan and Mashkhel. Their destinations are often European countries that involve travelling through Turkey.

The arrests come two days after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Greece. Although confirmations have still not been received by Pakistani authorities, it is believed that almost 400 Pakistanis could have been on board.