ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of four Pakistani nationals in a migrant boat accident off Libya’s Harawa coast, reaffirming his government’s resolve to clamp down on human trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable citizens.
The Foreign Office (FO) confirmed that a vessel carrying foreign migrants capsized near Sirte, Eastern Libya, resulting in 11 confirmed deaths, including four Pakistanis.
“Deeply saddened by reports from our Mission in Tripoli of yet another boat capsizing incident… In which at least four Pakistanis have been confirmed dead,” the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the Pakistani Mission in Tripoli is coordinating with Libyan authorities for the repatriation of remains.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking
PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s commitment to punishing those who lure citizens into illegal and life-threatening journeys:
“We will continue to come down hard against such elements so no family has to carry the coffins of their loved ones in such accidents,” he said.
The Foreign Office has activated its Crisis Management Unit to monitor the situation. Families can reach out for information or assistance at 051-9207887 or [email protected].
Deadly Trend Continues
This is the latest in a series of fatal incidents involving illegal migrants from Pakistan:
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February 2025: At least 16 Pakistanis died and 10 went missing in a similar accident off Libya’s coast.
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January 2025: Over 40 Pakistanis were killed when a boat heading from Mauritania to Spain sank.
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December 2024: More than 80 Pakistanis drowned near Greece, in one of the worst tragedies of its kind.
Driven by poverty and the pursuit of better opportunities, thousands of Pakistanis risk their lives and pay hefty sums to traffickers to reach Europe via dangerous sea routes.
Accountability Measures in Pakistan
In response to mounting public outcry, the federal government has:
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Dismissed 35 FIA officials
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Removed former FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir over the slow pace of investigations into human smuggling and migrant deaths
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Launched nationwide action against human trafficking networks
Additionally, Jamia Naeemia, Lahore, issued a religious decree (fatwa) declaring illegal migration both unlawful and un-Islamic, urging people to refrain from using forbidden methods to travel abroad.
