A boat carrying dozens of passengers, including Pakistani nationals, has overturned off the coast of Libya. This heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants trying to reach Europe through illegal means.
Pakistan’s Response to the Tragedy:
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the accident and is working to gather details about the victims. Officials are verifying the legal status of the passengers while the Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli has sent a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist in identifying the deceased and survivors.
To help families locate their loved ones, the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated. People can reach out for assistance through the helpline: 051-9207887. Additionally, Pakistani officials in Tripoli can be contacted at:
- WhatsApp: +92 305 2185882
- Cellphone: +218 913870577
- WhatsApp: +218 91-6425435
A Series of Deadly Migrant Boat Accidents:
This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. Over the past months, several boats carrying migrants have capsized, leading to devastating losses.
- January 2024: A boat traveling from Mauritania to Spain sank, killing over 40 Pakistanis. The vessel had 86 passengers, with 66 of them being Pakistani nationals. Moroccan authorities managed to rescue 36 survivors.
- December 2023: More than 80 Pakistanis drowned after their boats capsized near Greece on the night of December 13-14.
These incidents highlight the ongoing dangers faced by migrants who put their lives at risk in search of better opportunities.
The Rise of Illegal Migration:
Economic hardships and the hope for a better life push many people to attempt illegal migration. Human traffickers take advantage of this desperation, promising safe passage to Europe in exchange for large sums of money. Unfortunately, many migrants never make it to their destination.
The Pakistani government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has pledged to take strict action against human traffickers and officials involved in illegal migration. So far:
- 35 FIA officials have been dismissed for negligence.
- Former FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir was removed due to slow investigations into migration-related tragedies.
Read Also: Tragic Boat Disaster Claims Lives of 44 Pakistanis Among 50 Feared Dead!
Religious Scholars Condemn Illegal Migration:
In addition to government efforts, religious scholars in Pakistan have spoken out against illegal migration. Lahore’s Jamia Naeemia has issued a religious edict (fatwa) condemning the practice.
The decree, issued by Dr. Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanfi, states:
- Using illegal methods to travel abroad is unlawful and against Shariah.
- Risking one’s life in such a way is strictly forbidden in Islam.
- Agents and middlemen profiting from illegal migration should be held accountable.
The fatwa urges the government to enforce strict laws against illegal migration and advises citizens to seek legal and safe travel options.
The Need for Urgent Action:
This tragic incident near Libya is yet another reminder of the dangers associated with illegal migration. The government needs to take stronger measures to stop human trafficking and provide better economic opportunities at home so that people don’t feel forced to take such risks.
As investigations continue, the priority should be identifying the victims, helping their families, and ensuring that justice is served against those responsible for facilitating illegal migration.
Read Also: Eight Pakistanis back home after Morocco boat tragedy!
