Pakistan Boat Tragedy: Casualties Rise as Migrants’ Boat Sinks off Greek Coast
A boat carrying Pakistani migrants sank off Greece, resulting in five confirmed deaths and 35 presumed dead. Over 150 survivors were rescued, while the Greek authorities have ceased rescue operations. Investigations into human trafficking activities are underway in Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for urgent reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future, amid rising illegal migration to Greece.
A tragic maritime incident occurred off the coast of Greece, where a boat carrying Pakistani migrants capsized near Gavdos Island. Official reports indicate that five lives were lost, while 35 individuals are presumed dead. Rescuers managed to save over 150 passengers from the overcrowded vessel, which was believed to be carrying over 200 migrants at the time. The Greek authorities have ended rescue efforts, signaling a grim outlook for those still unaccounted for.
The five deceased individuals hail from various districts within Pakistan’s Punjab province, including Pasrur, Gujrat, Narowal, and Mandi Bahauddin. In response to this tragedy, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has launched investigations into those implicated in the illegal transportation of these migrants, with four arrests made thus far. The FIA is reportedly attempting to protect the identities of local facilitators involved in this human trafficking operation.
Reacting to this heartbreaking incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for decisive action against human trafficking and has requested a comprehensive report on similar events from the past year that involved Pakistani nationals. He expressed concern over a previous incident in which 262 Pakistanis lost their lives in the same region last year, indicating a troubling pattern of inaction regarding these tragedies.
The Prime Minister has emphasized the need to enhance monitoring systems for international travelers through an Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) and has proposed increased collaboration with international organizations to prevent such occurrences in the future. In light of the rising trend, Greece is facing a significant uptick in illegal migrant crossings, with expectations of exceeding 60,000 arrivals by the end of this year, marking a 35 percent increase since the fall of 2023.
The article addresses a significant humanitarian crisis involving illegal migration from Pakistan to Greece. Overcrowding on vessels, often led by human trafficking networks, has resulted in numerous maritime tragedies in recent years. This incident highlights a grave issue within international migration patterns, where individuals from countries like Pakistan take perilous journeys in hopes of better opportunities abroad. The involvement of local facilitators in human trafficking exposes systemic problems within border management and indicates the urgent need for reforms and increased awareness to safeguard potential victims.
The sinking of the migrant boat near Greece’s Gavdos Island is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers faced by those seeking a better life through illegal means. The Pakistani government’s response reflects a need for stringent measures against human trafficking and improved tracking of international migrations. As the number of migrants attempting to reach Europe continues to rise, it is imperative for both national and international bodies to collaborate and address the root causes of this crisis to prevent further tragedies.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
