ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Spokesperson reported on Sunday that, according to initial information, 47 Pakistanis were among those rescued after two boats capsized south of Crete Island, Greece.
“One Pakistani is confirmed dead. However, we are currently unable to confirm the total number of deceased or missing Pakistani nationals,” the spokesperson stated in a press release.
The Pakistani Embassy in Athens has been in touch with the Hellenic Coast Guard and Chania Coast Guard, who are directly handling the search and rescue operation. Embassy officials have traveled to Crete to assist the rescued Pakistanis and provide any necessary help.
Families of missing Pakistanis can contact the Embassy at +30-6943850188 to share relevant information.
Earlier on Saturday, international media reported that a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off the island of Gavdos in southern Greece, resulting in at least five deaths.
In separate incidents, a Malta-flagged cargo vessel rescued 47 migrants about 40 nautical miles from Gavdos, while a tanker rescued another 88 migrants off a small island in southern Greece.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
In response, Minister Naqvi formed an inquiry committee led by Additional Secretary Interior Riffat Mukhtar Raja. The committee has been tasked with investigating the tragedy and is expected to submit its findings within five days.
Describing human trafficking as an “unacceptable crime,” Minister Naqvi condemned the actions of the criminal networks behind these illegal activities, which have destroyed numerous families. He urged the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take strong action against human trafficking networks nationwide.
This incident underscores the ongoing issues of illegal migration and human trafficking, with authorities pledging to take stringent measures to combat these problems.
