63 Pakistanis among victims of latest Libya boat tragedy

A high-level panel in Pakistan’s Senate was informed on Tuesday that 63 nationals were among those aboard the boat that sank off the coast of Libya last week, raising fresh concerns over illegal migration and human trafficking networks.

Shehzad Hussain, director general of crisis management, told the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs that the ill-fated vessel carried 73 people, including 63 Pakistanis and 10 Bangladeshis.

“So far, three survivors have contacted the Pakistani embassy, and their testimonies are being recorded,” Hussain said, adding that most of the victims were from the Kurram and Bajaur districts.

The Foreign Office officials briefing the panel confirmed that the boat tragedy occurred on February 8.

Government vows crackdown on trafficking

The meeting, chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, also focused on Pakistan’s efforts to curb human trafficking.

Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch said Pakistan has enhanced cooperation with Interpol to dismantle smuggling networks.

“The Ministry of Interior must play a more proactive role in preventing the illegal movement of Pakistanis abroad,” she said.

She added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a task force to address the issue, alongside a media awareness campaign to warn against illegal migration.

Hussain also briefed the committee on the Morocco boat tragedy, revealing that 22 survivors had returned home and the bodies of the deceased had been repatriated.

Rising migrant deaths in Libya

The incident comes amid a string of deadly migrant boat tragedies. Just last week, at least 29 bodies were recovered in Libya.

Libyan authorities found 19 bodies in a mass grave on a farm in Jikharra, southeast of Benghazi, linked to smuggling activities. Separately, 10 bodies were recovered from the sea after a boat sank off Dila port in Zawiya—the same city mentioned in the FO’s statement.

Libya has become a major transit hub for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Many risk the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, often relying on human traffickers.

Pakistanis among past victims

Pakistanis have frequently been victims of migrant boat disasters.

In January, around 40 Pakistanis died in incidents off Greece, while 35 others remain missing. Last June, an Italy-bound trawler carrying 800 people capsized off Greece, with up to 300 Pakistanis feared dead.

Authorities in Pakistan have intensified efforts to crack down on human smuggling. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismissed 50 officials for alleged collusion with traffickers and blacklisted 65 more from immigration posts.

In response to the rising tragedies, FIA introduced stricter screening measures at airports. In January, 2,500 passengers were offloaded at Lahore airport alone.

Pakistan’s government has urged its citizens to avoid illegal migration routes, warning of the dangers posed by traffickers and unsafe sea journeys.