https://arab.news/4xwqh
- Pakistani officials confirmed the deaths of four nationals in a migrant boat tragedy earlier this week
- Shehbaz Sharif instructs to launch a public awareness campaign to avoid such tragedies in the future
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed authorities to enhance cooperation with international agencies to combat human trafficking, days after officials confirmed the deaths of four Pakistani nationals in a migrant boat tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos, located south of Crete.
The tragedy, which occurred last week, underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to conflicts in the Middle East. In the case of Pakistani nationals, the movement is mostly driven by economic reasons, with many young individuals attempting to reach European shores in search of better financial prospects.
In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Pakistani premier chaired a meeting to discuss the issue, instructing the Federal Investigation Agency to present a report on such incidents taking place in the last one year and directing officials to launch a public awareness campaign to avoid such tragedies in the future.
“We must strengthen collaboration with global institutions to prevent such incidents,” he was quoted in an official statement released after the meeting.
During a high-level meeting, the prime minister also expressed frustration over delays in cracking down on human trafficking networks and ordered strict action against officials responsible for slow progress.
He directed the immediate implementation of an Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor and curb illicit movements more effectively.
The prime minister was also briefed on the measures taken to combat human trafficking and prevent such activities during the meeting.
He was informed that authorities had cracked down on individuals facilitating illegal migration from the country, presenting 174 such cases in court, of which four had resulted in convictions.