16 Pakistani Die And 10 Still Missing In Shipwreck Off The Coast Of Libya

On Tuesday, February 11, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 16 bodies had been recovered, all of whom were Pakistani citizens, identified by their passports. Additionally, 10 other passengers are still missing.

Rescue teams have reported that 37 passengers have been rescued. According to Pakistani authorities, the boat was carrying 63 migrants from Pakistan who were traveling from the Libyan coast to Europe.

A team from the Pakistani embassy in Tripoli has been sent to the coastal city of Zawiya to meet with local authorities and hospital officials to gather more information about the fate of the missing individuals.

Every year, thousands of Pakistanis choose to take dangerous and illegal migration routes to Europe by paying hefty sums to human traffickers. The Mediterranean Sea, known as one of the deadliest migration routes in the world, continues to witness tragic incidents involving migrants, including many Pakistanis.

According to a report by the French news agency AFP, about 40,000 Pakistanis attempt to reach Europe through illegal routes annually. In one of the deadliest maritime incidents in the Mediterranean, which occurred in June 2023, more than 750 migrants lost their lives, including around 350 Pakistanis.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Despite the risks, many continue to undertake perilous journeys, driven by desperation. The ongoing loss of life underscores the urgent need for safer migration pathways and greater international cooperation to address the root causes of illegal migration.

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