The tragic migrant boat incident in the Atlantic Ocean between Mauritania and Morocco has claimed the lives of many Pakistanis. Earlier this month, a boat carrying 65 Pakistani immigrants capsized, and 44 of them either drowned or died from alleged torture. While 10 bodies have been recovered, 19 survivors are currently in the small Moroccan town of Dakhla, awaiting assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar took immediate action by directing the foreign and interior ministries to ensure efficient and timely assistance to the victims. Chairing a high-level meeting to discuss the situation, he issued instructions for coordinated efforts to respond to the tragedy. The meeting, which included secretaries from both ministries, aimed to streamline the government’s actions.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to send an official team to Morocco to assess the situation. The team will consist of key officials, including the FIA’s Additional Director General Munir Maarth, Additional Secretary Interior Salman Chaudhary, and representatives from the Foreign Ministry and Intelligence Bureau. The team’s objective is to evaluate the conditions in Morocco, gather information, and submit a detailed report to the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched investigations into the human traffickers involved in facilitating the illegal migration. Three cases have been filed against suspects from Gujrat and Sialkot districts. Many of the victims hailed from Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin districts, highlighting the prevalence of human trafficking in these areas.
The Pakistani government is working diligently to ensure justice and support for the victims and their families.
