Government launches nationwide crackdown on human smuggling after Greece boat tragedy
In response to the tragic boat capsizing near Greece, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a nationwide crackdown on human smuggling networks. The incident, which claimed the lives of at least five migrants and left many others missing, has renewed calls for stricter measures to combat illegal migration and protect vulnerable individuals.
Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a committee led by the additional secretary of the Ministry of Interior has been formed to investigate the tragedy. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within five days. Naqvi emphasized the devastating impact of human smuggling, calling it a menace that destroys countless families. He vowed to eradicate the smuggling mafias responsible for exploiting vulnerable individuals with false promises.
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The boat, carrying migrants attempting to reach Europe illegally, capsized near Greece’s southern island of Gavdos. According to the Greek Coast Guard, five bodies have been recovered, while many others remain unaccounted for. So far, 39 migrants, mostly Pakistani nationals, have been rescued by passing cargo ships and transferred to the island of Crete.
Search operations, involving coastguard vessels, merchant ships, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft, began on Friday night after Greek authorities were alerted to the incident. Efforts to locate and rescue additional survivors are ongoing, though the number of missing individuals has yet to be confirmed.
Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Pakistani lives in a recent boat capsizing near Greece. The prime minister condemned human trafficking as a heinous crime that exploits vulnerable individuals with false promises, resulting in devastating losses for families.
He directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to investigate the incident thoroughly and submit a report promptly, emphasizing the need to identify and strictly punish those responsible. President Zardari extended condolences to the victims’ families, urging expedited efforts to combat human smuggling networks and prevent such tragedies.
Both leaders stressed the importance of concrete measures to dismantle human trafficking networks and protect citizens from exploitation. They highlighted the need for stricter enforcement and comprehensive strategies to prevent illegal migration, which often leads to catastrophic consequences. The government remains committed to addressing this issue, ensuring justice for the victims, and taking preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.
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