Pakistan Receives Bodies of Six Migrants After Libya Boat Tragedy
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 28, 2025
- 10:30 am
- 45
- Current Affairs
The Libya boat tragedy has once again exposed the dangers of illegal migration. Pakistan has now received the bodies of six nationals who died when a migrant boat capsized off the Libyan coast. This tragic accident, which occurred earlier this month, claimed the lives of 16 confirmed Pakistani victims.
Bodies Arrive in Islamabad
A Qatar Airways flight brought the bodies to Islamabad, where grieving families waited with sorrow. Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, received the victims at the airport. He assured the families that efforts were ongoing to bring back the remaining bodies.
Authorities arranged ambulances for transportation to the victims’ hometowns. The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), along with local officials, managed the transfer process. Medical teams were also present to assist the families in their time of grief.
Victims Identified
The six repatriated victims have been identified as:
- Musawir Hussain (Son of Sher Mehdi) – Kurram
- Shoaib Ali (Son of Muhammad Ali) – Kurram
- Muhammad Ali Shah (Son of Abdullah Shah) – Orakzai
- Abid Hussain (Son of Muhammad Hassan) – Kurram
- Musab Hussain (Son of Jamil Hussain) – Kurram
- Shoaib Hussain (Son of Noor Ali) – Kurram
Most victims were from Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region struggling with economic hardships and security challenges.
Libya Boat Tragedy: A Growing Crisis
The boat, which carried about 65 passengers, capsized near Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City. Out of the 37 Pakistani survivors, at least 10 remain missing. Libyan authorities continue their efforts to recover more bodies from the wreckage.
Illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe is increasing. Many individuals pay large sums to smugglers, hoping for a better future. But these journeys are dangerous. Many migrants never make it to their destination.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking
After the Libya boat tragedy, Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking networks. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recently arrested two members of an international smuggling ring.
The suspects, Habibur Rehman and Naveed Ahmed, were caught in Pusht Bazaar, Bajaur. Officials believe they worked with smugglers in Italy, including Wajid Ali and Shah Faisal. The FIA has vowed to dismantle these networks and prevent more tragedies.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Safe Migration
Minister Pirzada urged the youth to avoid illegal migration. He warned of the serious risks involved. He encouraged them to choose legal ways to travel and work abroad.
The government has also activated a crisis management cell to assist families. Authorities continue to work on recovering the remaining bodies and bringing them home. Facilitation desks are set up at the airport to support the grieving families.
Pakistan remains committed to fighting human trafficking and ensuring safer migration options.
