ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to take immediate action to seize the properties and assets of human traffickers in the wake of a deadly boat tragedy off the southern Greek island of Gavdos, which claimed the lives of five Pakistani nationals last month.
The incident has brought the issue of illegal migration and human trafficking to the forefront in Pakistan, prompting the government to take a tougher stance on those facilitating such perilous journeys.
The boat disaster, which occurred on December 14, highlighted the dangerous routes many migrants take in search of a better life, often fleeing economic hardships and conflict. For many Pakistanis, the drive to migrate is primarily motivated by the hope of better European financial opportunities.
In a meeting on Monday to discuss the progress of actions against human trafficking, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for “intensified efforts” against human traffickers operating within the country. He directed authorities to take swift and severe legal action to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure that those involved in such criminal activities face stringent penalties.
“Immediate legal action should be taken to seize the properties and assets of human traffickers,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that the actions should serve as a deterrent to others engaged in the illegal trade. He called for tougher prosecution of all those involved in human smuggling to send a clear message to facilitators of illegal migration.
The tragic Gavdos boat incident is just one in a series of devastating events involving illegal migration from Pakistan. Last year, a similar incident off the coast of Pylos, Greece, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, when an overcrowded vessel sank after departing from Libya.
In response to these events, Prime Minister Sharif directed the Foreign Office to take immediate steps for the extradition of Pakistani nationals involved in human trafficking abroad. Additionally, he called for improved screening processes at airports to prevent individuals from travelling using fraudulent documents or illegal means.
Sharif also urged the Information and Interior Ministries to launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of illegal migration and encourage them to pursue legal avenues for overseas employment. He stressed the importance of promoting technical training institutes to equip young Pakistanis with the skills needed to meet international labour market demands, offering safer and legal paths to employment abroad.
The Prime Minister’s directives come as the country grapples with an increasing number of citizens seeking to migrate to Europe through irregular channels, often falling prey to the dangerous and exploitative practices of human traffickers. The government’s crackdown on traffickers and its emphasis on legal migration solutions aim to reduce the risks faced by migrants and prevent further tragedies.
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