Athens (Web Desk): A tragic boat accident off the coast of Greece has left many Pakistani nationals missing, with the death toll continuing to rise.
The incident, which involved five overcrowded boats carrying illegal migrants from Libya, has claimed the lives of at least four Pakistanis, with many more unaccounted for, including a substantial number of children.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece, Aamar Aftab Qureshi, confirmed that one of the boats, carrying 80 Pakistanis, sank after sustaining damage. Despite ongoing rescue operations, the chances of finding survivors are now slim.
The Pakistani embassy in Athens is taking responsibility for repatriating the bodies of those who perished, with the costs being borne by the embassy itself.
The ambassador also expressed concern over the dangerous practice of sending children abroad under such hazardous conditions and urged parents to avoid allowing their children to embark on such risky journeys.
He also called for severe action against those involved in human trafficking operations that endanger the lives of innocent people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan has confirmed four deaths in the accident and said that efforts are underway to assist survivors and recover the bodies.
The embassy has been in direct contact with Greek authorities to facilitate the identification process and coordinate the return of the deceased to Pakistan.
Families of those affected have been urged to reach out to the embassy or the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) for support.
The embassy has set up dedicated contact points for families seeking information: the CMU can be reached at 051-9207887 or by email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk, while the embassy itself can be contacted in Greece at +30-6943850188.
This devastating event has drawn attention to the perilous risks faced by those trying to migrate illegally, highlighting the urgent need to address human trafficking and illegal migration.
Meanwhile, the government of Pakistan has taken swift action to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
At the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi formed a committee tasked with conducting an inquiry into the incident and submitting its findings within five days.
The interior minister has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a nationwide crackdown on the human smuggling networks responsible for these dangerous voyages.
