Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the Pakistani death toll in the recent Greek shipwreck incidents has risen to five. The tragic event underscores the dangers of illegal migration and the need for urgent action against human trafficking networks.
Details of the Incident
Last week, a wooden boat carrying migrants, including many Pakistanis, capsized near Greece’s southern island of Gavdos. The Greek coastguard reported that five migrants drowned, and many others remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, with assistance from international vessels.
Key Events
- Rescued Migrants: 47 migrants were saved by a Malta-flagged cargo vessel, while a tanker rescued another 88 migrants off Gavdos.
- Pakistani Victims: The Foreign Office confirmed four Pakistani deaths initially, which later increased to five.
PM Shehbaz’s Statement
During a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz expressed his condolences and highlighted the gravity of illegal migration:
“Illegal migrants were aboard a boat that sank in Greece, and sadly, five Pakistanis drowned while over 40 were rescued.”
He emphasized the need to address human trafficking and announced a high-level meeting to review past incidents and propose solutions.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece Provides Updates
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Greece, Amir Aftab Qureshi, shared critical information during a press conference in Athens:
- Boats Involved: Five boats were part of the incidents; three carried Pakistani migrants.
- Departure Details:
- December 9: 45 people aboard
- December 11: 83 people aboard
- December 12: 47 people aboard
- Rescue Operations: International commercial vessels assisted the Greek coastguard in rescuing migrants. The Dec 11 boat had the largest number of Pakistanis, with 36 saved.
Quick Incident Overview
| Date | Boat Capacity | Saved Migrants | Pakistani Survivors |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 9 | 45 | 6 | 6 |
| December 11 | 83 | 39 | 36 |
| December 12 | 47 | 5 | 5 |
Ambassador Qureshi confirmed the embassy’s efforts to retrieve the bodies of those who drowned and provide support to survivors. He urged parents not to send their children on such dangerous journeys.
Human Trafficking and Social Trends
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Gujranwala has launched investigations to identify the networks facilitating illegal migration. FIA Director Abdul Qadir Qamar noted that human traffickers now use air routes to send individuals to Libya, where they are transported to Europe via perilous Mediterranean crossings.
Root Causes
While poverty and unemployment drive illegal migration, officials highlight a growing social trend in areas like Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where sending family members abroad is seen as a status symbol.
Migration Risks: A Global Perspective
Greece remains a key gateway for migrants traveling to Europe. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 63,000 deaths and disappearances have been recorded on migration routes between 2014 and 2023.
- 2023 Trends: There was a significant increase in deaths across the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia, with unprecedented losses in the latter two regions.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of five Pakistanis in the Greek shipwreck highlight the urgent need to combat human trafficking and raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration. The Pakistani government, with the support of international agencies, must take decisive action to prevent further loss of lives and protect vulnerable migrants. Addressing the root causes, such as poverty and societal pressures, remains critical to curbing this dangerous trend.