ATHENS: Over 300 Pakistani nationals have lost their lives in the tragic sinking of an overcrowded fishing trawler off the coast of Greece, highlighting the ongoing refugee crisis faced by the European Union as a large number of individuals seek sanctuary from war, persecution, and poverty.
According to CNN, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, the chairman of Pakistan’s Senate, revealed the death toll in a statement, expressing condolences to the bereaved families. However, Greek authorities have yet to confirm the Pakistani death toll.
Sanjrani expressed his condolences and shared his thoughts on the tragic incident, emphasizing the need to address and condemn the abhorrent act of illegal human trafficking. He stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray that the departed souls find eternal peace.”
Sanjrani’s remarks highlight the devastating nature of the incident and emphasize the urgent requirement to tackle the issue of illegal human trafficking.
Pakistan is currently grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, complicating its efforts to secure financial aid from the International Monetary Fund amid political turmoil. The country has experienced stagnant growth and soaring inflation, resulting in difficulties in importing essential food products and leading to fatal stampedes at distribution centers.
The significant number of Pakistanis embarking on perilous journeys to Europe in search of a better future has resonated throughout the nation, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to declare a national day of mourning for the boat’s victims and order a high-level inquiry into the incident. Sharif vowed that those found negligent in their duties would be held accountable.
The boat capsized off the Greek coast while en route from Libya to Italy. According to the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), around 750 individuals, including men, women, and children, were on board the overcrowded vessel when it sank, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The tragedy has been regarded as one of the deadliest in the Mediterranean Sea by the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.
The role of smugglers facilitating these dangerous journeys has been strongly condemned by Johansson, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent such acts that lead to loss of life.
Greek authorities have faced criticism regarding their handling of the disaster, which has raised uncomfortable questions about European countries’ approach to migrants. Despite the risks involved, many people remain willing to undertake perilous journeys to Europe in search of a better life. However, several European countries have adopted stricter border policies and a tougher stance toward migrants.
In response to allegations that the boat capsized after the Greek coastguard attempted to tow it to shore, Greek authorities initially denied these claims. They stated that the coastguard had offered assistance, but it had been declined after they threw a rope to stabilize and assess the situation. However, a relative of passengers on the boat contradicted this account, alleging that the Greek authorities had indeed attempted to tow the vessel but tied the ropes incorrectly, resulting in its capsizing.
The Greek government spokesperson, Ilias Siakanderis, stated that there was no connection between the coastguard’s approach and the sinking, as the boat’s engine had broken down two hours before it capsized. The Hellenic coastguard defended its response, highlighting that they were not in close proximity to the boat when it capsized and that they had initiated rescue operations upon arrival.
The tragic incident has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and the need for effective measures to ensure their safety during dangerous journeys.
