The embassy’s report indicates that 35 people are still missing, presumed dead, with little hope of finding survivors; however, five bodies have been recovered.
The report also states that the Greek Coast Guard has ceased rescue operations. Official sources note that over 5,000 Pakistanis in Libya are prepared to travel to Europe, facilitated by various Libyan and Pakistani agents. These individuals reportedly obtained visas in Pakistan and travelled to Libya legally.
The capsized boats had departed from Libya’s Tobruk port. The first boat carried 45 passengers, including six Pakistanis. The second had 47 passengers, five of whom were Pakistanis. The third vessel carried 83 passengers, including 76 Pakistanis, and 36 were among the 39 rescued from this boat.
The names of four recovered Pakistani victims from the third boat are Sufyan, Rehman Ali, Haji Ahmed, and Abid; a fifth remains unidentified. These deceased originated from Sialkot, Gujrat, and Mandi Bahauddin. Furthermore, 39 individuals from the third vessel remain missing, 35 of whom are Pakistanis.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to intensify efforts against human trafficking. During a meeting focused on the deaths and trafficking prevention measures, Sharif demanded strict action against traffickers and called for the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System to monitor international travellers.
Additionally, the Foreign Office has activated its Crisis Management Unit to support Pakistanis in Greece.
