In a briefing to the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that 63 of the 73 people who drowned in the recent Libya boat disaster were Pakistani nationals. The tragic accident occurred on February 8, involving a boat carrying 73 individuals attempting to migrate. The majority of the victims hailed from the Kurram and Bajaur districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, with only a few survivors reporting the details of the ill-fated journey.
Among the survivors, two Pakistani nationals revealed that the boat carried 63 Pakistanis and 10 Bangladeshis. The boat capsized near the Libyan coast, northwest of the city of Zawiya, leading to a large-scale search and rescue operation. So far, Libyan rescue teams have recovered 10 bodies, including seven Pakistanis, six from Kurram Agency and one from Bajaur.
Also Read: Vessel Capsizes Off Libyan Coast with Pakistani Nationals Onboard
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to swiftly identify the deceased and provide all necessary assistance. Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of combating human trafficking, vowing that strict action would be taken against those responsible for such illegal activities.
This disaster mirrors a similar tragedy that took place last month when a boat carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, capsized off the coast of Morocco. As rescue efforts continue, the global spotlight remains on the growing human trafficking crisis and the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants in search of a better life.
