In a briefing to the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry revealed that 63 of the 73 people who drowned in the Libya boat disaster were Pakistani nationals. The incident, which occurred on February 8, involved a boat carrying 73 individuals, with only a few survivors reported.
Two Pakistani survivors stated that the boat was carrying 63 Pakistanis and 10 Bangladeshis, most of whom are feared dead. The majority of the Pakistani victims hailed from the Kurram and Bajaur districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. So far, rescue teams in Libya have recovered 10 bodies, including 7 Pakistanis. The ongoing efforts aim to locate the remaining missing passengers.
The tragedy unfolded near the port of Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya, Libya. International reports indicate that no additional survivors have been found so far, heightening fears for the missing passengers.
Also Read: Tragic Vessel Capsizing Off Libya Claims Lives
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and directed authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident. The Prime Minister also extended his condolences to the victims’ families and ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the identification of the deceased and offer all necessary assistance.
In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking. He ordered strict action against those involved and stressed that any negligence in addressing this crisis would not be tolerated.
This heartbreaking event follows another similar tragedy last month, when a boat carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, capsized near Morocco. Of those passengers, 36 were rescued by Moroccan authorities, while others tragically lost their lives.
