Hundreds of Pakistani nationals have tragically lost their lives in a devastating incident in the Mediterranean Sea, CNN reported.
The incident involved an overcrowded boat that sank off the coast of Greece, shedding light on the ongoing refugee crisis faced by the European Union, as countless individuals seek refuge from various challenges such as war, persecution, and poverty.
The chairman of Pakistan’s Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the urgent need to address and condemn the illegal act of human trafficking. While the Greek authorities have yet to confirm the death toll provided by Pakistan, the Chairman's statement shed light on the gravity of the situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray that the departed souls find eternal peace. This devastating incident underscores the urgent need to address and condemn the abhorrent act of illegal human trafficking” Sanjrani said.
Pakistan itself is wrestling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, further complicated by political instability. The nation of 220mn people has experienced stagnant growth and soaring inflation over the past year. The shortage of essential food products has led to a deadly uproar at distribution centers, worsening the conditions of the population.
The news of Pakistanis traversing dangerous routes to Europe in search of a better future has resonated throughout the nation. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the boat disaster and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
“I assure the nation that those found negligent towards their duty will be held to account. Responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry and heads will roll,” Sharif tweeted.
The United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) reported that the ill-fated boat carried approximately 750 men, women, and children. The incident has been regarded as one of the deadliest tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea, as confirmed by EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
Johansson strongly condemned the actions of smugglers who put people's lives at risk by sending them on dangerous journeys. Every year, 20,000 and 200,000, migrants flee from war, persecution, climate change, and poverty risk treacherous routes to Europe.
“They are not sending them to Europe, they are sending them to death. This is what they’re doing and it’s absolutely necessary to prevent it,” she commented.
Preventive measures to counter such activities were deemed absolutely necessary by the EU Commissioner.
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