The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has confirmed the deaths of at least seven Pakistani nationals in a devastating boat accident off the coast of Libya. The ill-fated vessel, carrying around 65 passengers, capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City. According to initial reports, 16 Pakistanis were aboard the vessel when it sank.
Authorities have identified seven of the deceased through their passports. Six hailed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, while one belonged to Bajaur. As of now, 10 bodies have been recovered, and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Pakistan’s Response and Assistance Measures
Following the incident, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement confirming the tragedy and dispatched a team from the Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli to Zawiya Hospital. The team is working closely with Libyan authorities to assist in the identification of the deceased and provide support to affected families.
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Additionally, MoFA has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to monitor the situation closely. It has urged concerned individuals to reach out via the provided helpline numbers for updates on the situation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Inquiry and Action
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “deeply concerning.” He directed the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s Mission in Libya to ascertain the facts and keep the public fully informed. He also assured that action would be taken against those involved in human trafficking, emphasizing that no negligence would be tolerated.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister extended his condolences to the grieving families and instructed authorities to expedite the identification process of the deceased. He reiterated his government’s commitment to tackling illegal migration and human trafficking.
Escalating Migrant Boat Tragedies
This latest disaster adds to a series of migrant boat tragedies that have claimed the lives of many Pakistanis in recent months. In January, over 40 Pakistanis lost their lives after a boat carrying irregular migrants from Mauritania to Spain capsized. Moroccan authorities reported that 66 of the passengers were Pakistani nationals, with 36 individuals rescued.
A month earlier, in December 2024, more than 80 Pakistanis drowned when boats carrying migrants capsized near Greece. These incidents highlight the rising number of Pakistanis attempting perilous journeys to Europe, driven by economic hardships and the hope of a better life.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking
In response to the growing crisis, the Pakistani government has intensified efforts against human traffickers and officials facilitating illegal migration. Since the recent string of tragedies, at least 35 FIA officials have been dismissed for negligence. Additionally, former FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir was removed from office over the slow pace of investigations into illegal migration networks.
Beyond government measures, religious authorities in Pakistan are also stepping in. Lahore’s Jamia Naeemia has issued a religious edict, or fatwa, against illegal migration. The decree, authored by Dr. Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanfi, states that traveling abroad through unlawful means is not only illegal but also against Islamic principles.
Libyan Authorities Continue Search and Rescue
Rescue teams in Libya continue efforts to locate missing passengers. Reports from international news agencies indicate that at least 16 Pakistanis were aboard the boat. While 10 bodies have been recovered so far, authorities fear the final death toll may rise.
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Meanwhile, Libyan officials have not yet reported any survivors from the tragedy, adding to the concerns over the fate of those still unaccounted for. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.