Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a nationwide day of mourning following the tragic incident where a boat carrying migrants, including Pakistanis, capsized off Greece’s coast, leading to numerous fatalities.
Reportedly, around 400 to 750 individuals were on the ill-fated vessel, with 78 confirmed deaths. 104 people were rescued and brought to Kalamata, Greece.
Investigation Committee Established
Prime Minister Sharif has set up a high-level committee to probe the tragedy, aiming to identify any legal or enforcement gaps that might have contributed to the incident. The committee will review the nation’s existing legal framework and enforcement measures related to human trafficking, recommending short- and long-term improvements. Their report is expected within a week.
Read: Greek Boat Tragedy Involving Pakistani Youth
It is worth noting that 12 Pakistanis were among the survivors, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Sharif has instructed the Pakistani Embassy in Greece to assist these individuals. In response to the event, he also ordered a crackdown on trafficking agents.
Key Trafficker Arrested
In recent developments, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed to have arrested a major human trafficker, Talha Shahzaib, on a tip-off hours after the Prime Minister ordered the crackdown.
