ISLAMABAD: Swinging into action against human traffickers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed for holding of an inquiry into tragic incident of migrants shipwreck near Greece with several Pakistani nationals onboard. He directed for an immediate crackdown against agents involved in heinous crime of human trafficking and called for bringing them to justice. He expressed his deep grief and sorrow over death of Pakistani nationals in tragic incident that took place off coast of Greece. He said entire nation including him shared their sympathies with bereaved families. He directed officials of Pakistan Embassy in Greece to look after 12 Pakistanis rescued from scene of disaster.

Shehbaz directed for taking further stringent action against elements involved in human trafficking, besides asking law enforcement agencies for identification of such traffickers who had been duping people to undertake such perilous steps.

Upon directive of prime minister, Federal Investigation Agency had deputed DIG Alam Shinwari as focal person to facilitate information regarding those who lost lives in incident and others who were injured. Similarly, chief secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir had also tasked focal person to contact Pakistan embassy and Greek authorities in Greece regarding latest information over casualties and injuries.

According to latest media reports, at least 78 people died after an overcrowded vessel went down on Wednesday. People rescued so far included 43 Egyptian nationals, 47 Syrian, 12 Pakistani and two Palestinians, Hellenic Coast Guard were quoted by international media outlets. Eight of those rescued were minors.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 19 2023

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