- Prime Minister calls for tough action against human traffickers.
- Requests a detailed report on incidents of human trafficking.
- Directs the implementation of IBMS to monitor international travelers.
ISLAMABAD: Following the Greek boat tragedy that claimed the lives of five Pakistani nationals, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the authorities concerned to take concrete measures against human trafficking which is defaming the country.
The Prime Minister, while chairing a meeting to discuss the death of Pakistani nationals in the incident and measures to combat human trafficking, called for strict action against those involved in human trafficking. innocent people to other countries. He also sought a report on incidents of human trafficking that occurred last year involving Pakistani citizens.
A day earlier, Ambassador to Greece Aamar Aftab Qureshi confirmed that more than 80 Pakistanis, including minors, were on board the ill-fated vessels that capsized near the European country on Saturday.
“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 several boats – are still missing. disappeared.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) had been activated to help Pakistanis in Greece. Pakistani nationals in Greece and their families are requested 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.
Speaking at today’s meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz recalled that 262 Pakistani nationals lost their lives in another incident in the same region last year and expressed displeasure over inaction against those responsible. “The recurrence of such incidents is due to the slow pace of action against those involved,” he added.
The Prime Minister ordered the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor international travelers.
During the briefing, it was informed that 174 people involved in human trafficking had been brought before the courts and four of them had been convicted.
The Prime Minister sought details of the public awareness campaign on human trafficking and asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a report on incidents involving nationals Pakistanis over the past year.
He also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration with international institutions to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.
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.
Investigation report
Meanwhile, an investigation report submitted to Islamabad by the Pakistani Embassy in Athens indicates that the death toll among Pakistani nationals has risen to five.
The report said three boats – which capsized in Greek territorial waters – left Tobruk in Libya.
A total of 45 people were on board the first ship, including six Pakistanis. While the second boat included five Pakistani citizens out of a total of 47 passengers.
The third boat carried 83 people including 76 Pakistanis, three Bangladeshis, two Egyptians and two Sudanese. A total of 39 people were rescued from the third ship, including 36 Pakistani citizens.
The five bodies found are those of passengers traveling in the third boat, the deceased being identified as Pakistanis. The four victims were identified as Sufyan, Rehman Ali, Haji Ahmed and Abid. While the fifth victim has not yet been identified.
According to the report, the deceased hailed from Sialkot, Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin. In addition, 39 people are still missing on board the third ship, including 35 Pakistanis.
The report also said that a Sudanese driver who was also among those rescued was taken into custody. Meanwhile, the rescued Pakistani nationals have been transferred to the Malakasa refugee camp, located 40 kilometers from Athens.
— With an additional contribution from the APP