Pakistan Vows to Combat Human Traffickers Following Migrant Boat Tragedy in Greece
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Islamabad, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed deep concern regarding the boat capsizing incident near southern Crete Island in Greece, which involved a large number of Pakistanis seeking to enter Europe through illegal means. He has mandated the country’s interior ministry to locate and arrest the human trafficking syndicate active in the region.
As of now, one Pakistani has been confirmed dead while at least 47 others have been rescued following the boat capsizing on Sunday. The foreign office of Pakistan has stated that they cannot currently confirm the total number of deceased or missing Pakistani individuals.
“Initial reports indicate that 47 Pakistanis were among those rescued from the capsized boats in Crete Island, with one Pakistani confirmed dead. At this moment, we are unable to verify the number of deceased or missing Pakistani citizens,” read a statement from Pakistan's foreign office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked, “Human trafficking is a devastating crime that claims countless lives and inflicts suffering on numerous families every year.”
He further stated, “Human traffickers are a ruthless mafia who prey on the vulnerable by luring them with false aspirations.”
The vessels were transporting illegal migrants attempting to enter Europe unlawfully. This incident has shed light on the extensive networks of human traffickers operating in various regions of Pakistan, targeting impoverished and desperate individuals to exploit them for illegal exit from the country.
“Human Trafficking is a despicable act that inflicts untold anguish and distress,” commented Asif Ali Zardari, the President of Pakistan.
The boat tragedy has also led the Pakistani government to activate its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist in identifying Pakistani nationals and to coordinate necessary aid.
“The embassy has also initiated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist Pakistanis in Greece,” stated the foreign office of Pakistan.
Additionally, the interior ministry has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take immediate action against the human trafficking operations and smuggling networks prevalent in the country.
“In response to this tragedy, the interior minister has set up an inquiry committee tasked with investigating the incident, which is expected to present its findings within five days,” declared Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's Interior Minister.
