Tragic Boat Capsizing Claims 10 Pakistani Lives Near Morocco
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A tragic incident near Morocco has claimed the lives of 10 Pakistanis, with 36 others rescued. The boat, carrying illegal migrants aiming for Europe, capsized, highlighting the ongoing human trafficking crisis affecting Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- 10 Pakistanis lost their lives in a boat capsizing near Morocco.
- 36 individuals were rescued from the incident.
- The boat was transporting illegal migrants to Spain's Canary Islands.
- Pakistan's Prime Minister has condemned the human trafficking involved.
- The government is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking.
Islamabad, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking incident, 10 Pakistani nationals have lost their lives when a boat carrying approximately 80 individuals capsized off the coast of Morocco. This vessel was attempting to ferry passengers illegally into Europe, and 36 Pakistanis have been successfully rescued.
Reports indicate that at least 50 illegal migrants, including Pakistani citizens, have already perished due to this tragedy. The boat was reportedly on its way to Spain's Canary Islands via West Africa.
This tragic event unfolded just a day after Moroccan officials rescued 36 individuals from another boat. It has come to light that this ill-fated boat departed from Mauritania on January 2, 2025, with a total of 86 illegal migrants, of which 66 were Pakistanis.
The Pakistan Foreign Office has confirmed the incident, stating that its embassy in Rabat has been tasked with sending a team to assist the affected Pakistani nationals.
According to a press release from the Pakistan Foreign Office, “Several survivors, including Pakistanis, are currently in a camp near Dakhla. Our embassy in Rabat is coordinating with local authorities. Additionally, a team from the embassy has been dispatched to Dakhla to offer assistance to the Pakistani nationals.”
In light of this incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grave concern and directed authorities to take decisive action against those implicated in what he described as a serious human trafficking crime.
“There will be no tolerance for any negligence in this matter. Strong measures are being implemented against human traffickers,” stated PM Shehbaz Sharif.
Among the survivors, one Pakistani national reached out to his family in Gujranwala, Punjab, sharing his traumatic experience.
“My brother informed me that he was initially promised air travel to Spain. However, after days in a safe house in Mauritania, they were transferred onto a boat,” revealed the sister of a rescued individual.
“He recounted that the boat was halted in the middle of the sea, and everyone was instructed to contact their families for additional funds. Subsequently, they began throwing people overboard,” she added.
This issue of human trafficking has garnered significant attention in Pakistan, especially following an incident in December 2024 where 45 Pakistani nationals drowned in a similar boat capsizing in Greece, while 36 others were rescued.
In response to these tragedies, the Pakistani government has increased its focus on investigating and apprehending human traffickers and their accomplices through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). So far, 30 FIA officers have been dismissed and arrested for their involvement with human traffickers.
