Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah assured firm action against human traffickers in a recent National Assembly session in response to the tragic incident where a boat carrying around 350 Pakistani migrants capsized in Greece. He reported that of those aboard, 12 survived, while 82 bodies have been retrieved and are undergoing an identification process utilizing forensic and NADRA data.
Special desks have been set up and contacted by 281 families to aid in this process. Furthermore, 193 DNA samples have been collected for identification purposes. Sanaullah indicated that efforts are underway to capture the individuals responsible for this maritime tragedy.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting regarding human smuggling and the Greece boat incident, directing swift justice for those implicated.
On June 20, Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar ordered the arrest of Mumtaz Arain, the main suspect linked to the human trafficking operation that led to the incident.
The death toll from this maritime disaster, about 50 miles from the southern Greek town of Pylos, could reach hundreds as estimates suggest the fishing boat was crammed with 400 to 750 people. Greek authorities have confirmed the recovery of 104 survivors and 78 bodies. However, the hope of finding additional survivors is dwindling.
