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PM Shehbaz Condoles Over the Death of Five Pakistanis in Greek Shipwrecks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of Pakistani citizens in the Greek shipwrecks that occurred in the past week. In an announcement on Tuesday, he confirmed that the death toll had risen to five, with several others still missing. This incident highlights the ongoing perilous journeys undertaken by migrants in search of a better future, often at the cost of their lives.

The Tragic Incident: Shipwrecks and the Loss of Lives

Last week, multiple shipwrecks off the coast of Greece led to the drowning of several migrants, including at least five Pakistanis. According to reports, the wooden boat carrying many Pakistani nationals capsized near Gavdos, a small Greek island. The coastguard reported that the boat had been overcrowded with passengers, and several others are feared missing as search and rescue operations continue.

In separate incidents, other vessels, including a Malta-flagged cargo ship and a Greek tanker, successfully rescued over 130 migrants from precarious conditions in the Mediterranean. Among the rescued were Pakistani nationals who had boarded boats from Libya, hoping to reach European shores.

Details of the Migrant Boat Incidents

The disaster involved five boats in total, with three of them carrying Pakistani passengers. These boats had departed from Tobruk, Libya, on different dates—December 9, 11, and 12. The boats, made from plastic and fiberglass, were designed to carry no more than 15-20 passengers each. Unfortunately, these boats were ill-equipped for the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean, and many passengers found themselves in life-threatening situations.

The Boats and Their Routes

• December 9 Incident: This boat carried 45 passengers, six of whom were Pakistani. Thankfully, most passengers were rescued before the boat capsized.
• December 11 Incident: The boat carrying approximately 83 passengers had the majority of its passengers, 36 of whom were Pakistani. It was this boat that suffered the most casualties, with most of the fatalities coming from this vessel.
• December 12 Incident: A smaller boat carrying 47 people, with five Pakistani victims confirmed dead. The remaining passengers were rescued.

Rescue Operations and the Role of the Greek Coastguard

The Greek coastguard along with international commercial vessels played a crucial role in the rescue operations. Migrants from the boats were retrieved between the night of December 13 and 14. Despite their best efforts, some passengers did not survive, and many more are still missing.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece, Amir Aftab Qureshi, spoke at a press conference regarding the ongoing search. He confirmed that the embassy had dispatched a team to the site to assist in the search and recovery of bodies, as well as to offer support to the surviving victims.

The Role of Human Traffickers in the Tragedy

The tragic loss of lives has drawn attention to the illegal human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, sending them on these dangerous voyages. Pakistani migrants often fall prey to traffickers, who promise a better future in Europe but expose them to severe risks. These trafficking networks have evolved, now utilizing air routes to send migrants to Libya, where they are then shipped across the Mediterranean to Italy or Greece.

The Impact of Human Trafficking on Pakistani Families

The FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) has already launched an investigation to trace the human trafficking networks involved in this incident. Many of the families of the victims, primarily from Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, are unaware of the dangerous realities their loved ones faced. Shockingly, some parents have declined to file complaints against the agents responsible for sending their children on these perilous journeys.

The situation is compounded by a social trend that encourages families in certain regions to send family members abroad, even if it means resorting to illegal methods. Poverty and unemployment have been traditional drivers of this behavior, but more recently, the desire to build a social status has become a key motivating factor for many.

The Diplomatic Efforts and Future Measures

In the wake of this tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting with high-level officials to discuss the future course of action. During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences and reiterated the need to address the root causes of illegal migration. He described the situation as a serious challenge and announced that the government would adopt more stringent measures to tackle the issue of human trafficking.

Actions to Prevent Future Tragedies

The government’s focus will now turn toward:

• Strengthening border controls to prevent illegal migration routes.
• Increasing awareness among vulnerable communities about the risks involved in illegal migration.
• Cooperating with international partners to curb human trafficking networks.
• Cracking down on traffickers who exploit migrants for profit.

The Broader Context of Migrant Deaths in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. Since 2014, the Missing Migrants Project has documented over 63,000 deaths and disappearances along migration routes between Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia. In 2023 alone, there was a spike in migrant deaths across various regions, with the Mediterranean seeing one of the highest rates of fatalities.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Tragedies?

• Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of migration routes.
• Stronger international cooperation to combat human trafficking networks.
• Improved legal migration channels to ensure that migrants are not forced into dangerous, illegal journeys.

FAQs

1. How many Pakistanis were killed in the Greek shipwrecks?

As of the latest update, five Pakistanis have been confirmed dead in the tragic shipwreck incidents off the coast of Greece.

2. Where did the boats carrying Pakistanis depart from?

The boats involved in the incidents left from Tobruk, Libya, between December 9 and 12, 2023.

3. What caused the boats to sink?

The boats were overcrowded and in poor condition. Made of fiberglass and plastic, they were not designed to handle the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean.

4. What is the Pakistani government doing to prevent such incidents?

The Pakistani government is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking and is reviewing policies to prevent illegal migration through dangerous routes.

5. How can families avoid falling victim to human trafficking?

Families are urged to be aware of the risks associated with illegal migration and avoid dealing with traffickers who exploit vulnerable individuals.

Conclusion

The tragic incidents in Greece serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants on their journey to Europe. With human trafficking networks continuously adapting and exploiting vulnerable individuals, it is crucial that governments, including Pakistan, take decisive action to curb illegal migration and provide safer alternatives for individuals seeking a better life.

By taking steps to combat trafficking, improving migration policies, and fostering international cooperation, future tragedies can be prevented, and the lives of countless migrants can be safeguarded.

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