The death toll of Pakistani nationals from the Greek boat tragedy that occurred last month has climbed to nine. Authorities recently recovered four more bodies of Pakistani citizens, identified as Shabbir, Zain Ali, and Zeeshan from Narowal, and Owais Ali from Sialkot. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confirmed this development on Wednesday.
Recovery and Repatriation Efforts
The recovered bodies were found near the Greek island of Gavdos and have been transported to a hospital in Athens for further processing. The Pakistani Embassy in Greece is coordinating the repatriation of the remains to Pakistan, a process expected to take about a week. Families of the victims in Pakistan await closure as the embassy finalizes arrangements.
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Tragic Incident
The tragedy occurred on the night between December 13 and 14, when boats carrying migrants capsized off the southern Greek coast near Gavdos. Among the passengers were more than 80 Pakistanis, of whom 36 were rescued, while the rest remain missing and are presumed dead, according to the Pakistani Embassy.
The ill-fated boats, which departed from Libya’s Tobruk port, also carried migrants from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Sudan. Greek authorities have since concluded their rescue operations, with little hope of finding additional survivors.
Human Trafficking and Smuggling Networks Exposed
The incident has shed light on the extensive human trafficking networks facilitating illegal migration to Europe. Pakistani authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle these operations. On December 22, the FIA arrested two suspects, Mohammad Aslam and Saeed Ahmed, in Gujranwala for their alleged involvement in the tragedy.
According to FIA officials, Aslam is a key member of an international human smuggling gang that exploited victims by promising them safe passage to Europe in exchange for exorbitant sums of money. This arrest underscores the grim reality of human trafficking, which continues to endanger countless lives.
Government’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken strong notice of the tragedy, ordering a comprehensive crackdown on human smugglers and corrupt FIA officials implicated in facilitating such operations. Chairing a meeting on December 20, he directed authorities to expedite ongoing investigations and present actionable recommendations to prevent future incidents.
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This tragedy has highlighted the desperate plight of many Pakistani citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. Official sources indicate that over 5,000 Pakistanis currently reside in Libya, waiting to embark on similarly perilous journeys. They often obtain visas legally before falling victim to trafficking networks that exploit their aspirations.