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The government of Pakistan has dispatched a high-level delegation to Morocco to investigate the recent migrant boat tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of Pakistanis.
The delegation, composed of senior officials departed for the North African nation today to assess the tragic incident in which at least 44 Pakistanis, attempting to reach Europe, drowned after being allegedly abused at sea. So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while 19 survivors have been reported.
The victims’ remains and survivors are currently located in a Moroccan town, awaiting repatriation to Pakistan. The incident, which has shocked the nation, prompted the government to take swift action, authorizing the deployment of a team that includes officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The team will gather information, assess the situation, and prepare a detailed report to be submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In parallel, federal investigators have registered cases against human traffickers involved in the illegal smuggling of migrants. The suspects, believed to be operating out of the Gujrat and Sialkot districts, are accused of orchestrating the fatal journey. The victims’ families have reported that they were recruited by a local agent, Asghar Sindhi, and his accomplice, Rana Usama, who promised them job opportunities in Europe for a fee of Rs 40 lakh each. However, instead of sending the migrants to Spain, the traffickers diverted them through dangerous routes via Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mauritania.
The Morocco boat tragedy is the latest in a series of heart-wrenching incidents in which Pakistani migrants and refugees have lost their lives while attempting to reach Europe by sea. As the investigation progresses, authorities are determined to hold accountable those responsible for this dangerous and illegal trade in human lives, and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
