The number of Pakistani fatalities in the devastating Greece boat capsize has climbed to 40, authorities confirmed Thursday, a significant increase from the initial report of five.
Greek officials concluded rescue operations Wednesday, revealing the grim extent of the tragedy.
The victims, many of whom were minors and teenagers from Punjab province – specifically Sialkot, Gujrat, Mandi Bahaudin, and Narowal districts – were being smuggled to Europe through Libya by a human trafficking network. They had reportedly obtained Libyan visas before embarking on the perilous sea journey.
In response, the Pakistani government has established a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) task force to crack down on human traffickers. Six cases have already been registered, and four suspects are in custody. Investigations indicate the victims traveled via Libya after obtaining visas there.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has demanded swift action against those responsible, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent future tragedies. This incident follows a similar catastrophe last year where 262 Pakistanis perished attempting the same illegal crossing. Sharif criticized the “sluggish action” against traffickers during a cabinet meeting on the issue. His office has also ordered the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to strengthen traveler monitoring and scrutiny.
The fact that numerous minors aged 12-14 managed to obtain Libyan visas and clear immigration at Pakistani airports has raised serious concerns about potential government complicity in the trafficking network. Activists are urging the government to collaborate with international organizations to develop robust preventative measures.