- The ambassador says dozens of Pakistanis are still missing.
- The chances of survival of the missing are low: Qureshi.
- Survivors recall a harrowing journey and an unfortunate incident.
Revealing details of the Greek boat tragedy, Ambassador to Greece Aamar Aftab Qureshi said more than 80 Pakistanis, including minors, were on board the ill-fated vessel which capsized near the European country on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference, Qureshi revealed that the ill-fated boat carrying Pakistani citizens was overloaded and capsized after its hull cracked.
“The rescue operation is underway. (However) the chances of survival of the missing people are low,” the diplomat said, pointing out that dozens of Pakistanis – who were traveling illegally from Libya on five boats – are still missing.
The envoy’s remarks came as authorities confirmed the deaths of five Pakistani citizens after at least five migrants drowned after their wooden boat capsized near the Greek islands.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) had been activated to help Pakistanis in Greece.
Meanwhile, Pakistani nationals in Greece and their families are advised to contact CMU by telephone at 051-9207887 or by email at (email protected).
Families of the missing Pakistanis can contact the Pakistan Embassy in Greece for details at +30-6943850188.
Announcing that the embassy would bear the cost of transferring the bodies to Pakistan, Ambassador Qureshi expressed concern over children being sent abroad in this manner.
Urging parents not to send their children on such dangerous journeys, he called for those involved in the heinous affair to be brought to justice.
It is pertinent to know that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Sunday formed a committee headed by the Additional Secretary of the Interior Ministry to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
The body was tasked with investigating and submitting its findings within five days.
Furthermore, the security czar also ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch nationwide operations against human trafficking networks.
Survivor Tales
Meanwhile, revealing heartbreaking details of the incident and the perilous journey, Pakistani survivors of the boat incident – who are currently in a camp in Greece – said the ship they were on had no no engine or driver and even lacked communications equipment such as a walkie-talkie.
Shedding light on the incident, the survivors also said that they left Libya on December 11 after staying there for over a month.
The accident occurred during the night from Friday to Saturday, when the sea conditions were quite rough, it was added.
Stating that they do not even have clothes or shoes, the survivors asked the authorities to help them and provide assistance.