Pakistani government launches human trafficking investigation after boat with 200 people drowns
Out of these 200, around 20 were Pakistanis, and this incident killed 63 of those on the boat.
The Pakistani government has launched a human trafficking probe after the recent refugee boat tragedy. The federal agency has started an investigation after two incidents of Pakistanis drowning on their way to Europe.
The authorities are currently working to find the alleged traffickers, after a boat having 200 people in it drowned near the southern Italian coast. Out of these 200, around 20 were Pakistanis, and this incident killed 63 of those on the boat. Sixteen Pakistanis survived the shipwreck, while four are still missing, and a search operation is underway.
Pakistani authorities launch a probe
An official from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told news sources that there have been two incidents of Pakistani refugees drowning in these recent weeks. Furthermore, the official added that the agency has formed multiple teams of investigators after the incident, and is also expected to arrest some of the traffickers.
The reports of the drowning of over two dozen Pakistanis in a boat tragedy in Italy are deeply concerning & worrisome. I have directed Foreign Office to ascertain facts as early as possible & take the nation into confidence.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 27, 2023
Likewise, the investigation agency has met some families and even conducted an investigation into criminal elements involved in trafficking, and they are hoping to make arrests soon.
Boat drowning incident
Out of 53 casualties, around 12 were children, and the crash happened against rocks near Steccato di Cutro, which is a resort on the eastern coast of Italy’s Calabria region. Pakistan’s foreign ministry said their embassy official in Italy met 16 Pakistanis, who were rescued from the vessel, and the survivors seemed to be in a good condition.
However, the embassy is also in close contact with Italian authorities to verify the status of the four missing Pakistanis. A resident of Gujar Khan, Muhammad Waseem, told news outlets that his nephew Asad Naeem was amongst those who drowned in the incident. Waseem said that they have submitted an application to the foreign office but have not heard back from the officials yet.
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