What's happening with the Greece boat tragedy and how does it impact Pakistan?

The migrant tragedy in Messenia, Greece, was a result of an overloaded fishing boat, named Andrianna, carrying an excessive number of migrants, above its capacity. The boat was destined for Italy.

These individuals, including Pakistanis, sought the services of human smugglers who organise illegal journeys to Europe through the Middle East and Africa. The migrants usually pay significant amounts of money to these agents, only to risk tragically losing their lives on the hazardous journey.

As a mark of respect for the victims, June 19 has been declared the "Day of Mourning" throughout Pakistan, with the national flag flown at half-mast.

As a response to the tragedy, the federal government of Pakistan has intensified its efforts to combat human smugglers. At least 12 individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking have been arrested in different parts of Pakistan. Among those apprehended was an individual attempting to board a flight from Karachi International Airport to Dubai.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a crackdown against human smugglers and established a four-member committee to investigate the shipwreck incident. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to track down those responsible for human smuggling.

Prime Minister Shehbaz has also directed the Foreign Office to collaborate with Pakistani embassies abroad in apprehending Pakistani human smugglers operating from other countries. He emphasized the need for diligent and competent efforts to address this issue.

Investigations have revealed that 21 Pakistanis from Khuiratta and Charhoi in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were on the ill-fated boat. Furthermore, it has been discovered that some prominent individuals involved in human smuggling, such as Chaudhry Zulqarnain, Talat Kiani, and Khalid Mirza, operate from Libya.

These individuals have sub-agents in Pakistan who charge large sums, ranging from 1 to 2 million rupees, to facilitate the journey to Europe. The smuggling route typically involves legal flights to the UAE, followed by transfers to Egypt and Libya. From Libya, the perilous voyage across the Mediterranean Sea begins.