Another Boat Carrying Pakistanis and Other Migrants Sinks Near Libya

A boat carrying dozens of passengers, including Pakistani nationals, has capsized off the coast of Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday.

Officials are still working to verify the legal status of those aboard, with the ministry’s spokesperson stating that Pakistani authorities are gathering further details.

According to an official statement from the Foreign Office, the vessel, carrying around 65 passengers, overturned near Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City, Libya. In response, the Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli has dispatched a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist in identifying the deceased. The embassy is also working to determine the number of Pakistanis affected by the tragedy.

Crisis Management & Helplines Activated

To monitor the situation, the ministry has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) and urged people to reach out for assistance through the helpline: 051-9207887. Additionally, Pakistani officials in Tripoli can be contacted at:

• WhatsApp: +92 305 2185882
• Cellphone: +218 913870577
• WhatsApp: +218 91-6425435

A Series of Migrant Boat Tragedies

This latest incident adds to a growing list of migrant boat disasters, where dozens of Pakistanis have lost their lives in recent months.

• January 2024: Over 40 Pakistanis died when a boat carrying irregular migrants from Mauritania to Spain capsized. The vessel had 86 passengers, of which 66 were Pakistani nationals. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors.
• December 2023: More than 80 Pakistanis drowned after boats carrying them capsized near Greece on the night of December 13-14.

Illegal Migration: A Growing Concern

Driven by economic struggles and the dream of a better future, many desperate migrants continue to risk their lives by paying human traffickers to take them to Europe.

The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has vowed strict action against both smugglers and officials facilitating illegal migration. So far:

• 35 FIA officials have been dismissed.
• Former FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir was removed over slow investigations into illegal migration and boat tragedies.

Religious Edict Against Illegal Migration

Alongside government action, Lahore’s Jamia Naeemia has issued a religious decree condemning illegal migration.

The edict, issued by Dr. Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi and Mufti Imran Hanfi, states that:

• Using illegal means to travel abroad is unlawful and against Shariah.
• Suicide or actions that endanger life are strictly forbidden in Islam.
• Agents and middlemen profiting from illegal migration should be held accountable.

The decree urges the government to enforce laws against such practices and advises citizens to seek legal and safe ways to travel abroad.

As authorities continue to investigate, this tragic incident serves as another grim reminder of the dangers of illegal migration and the urgent need for comprehensive action.