A migrant boat capsized off the Libyan coast near Marsa Dela port, carrying around 65 passengers. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) confirmed that the Pakistan Embassy in Libya is working to identify any Pakistani nationals affected by the tragedy. The incident follows a similar disaster last month when 80 migrants were on a sinking boat near Morocco.
Pakistan Embassy Responds
The FO released a statement confirming that the Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli has dispatched a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist local authorities in identifying the deceased. Officials are actively gathering information on potential Pakistani victims.
The FO also activated its Crisis Management Unit to monitor the situation. It shared emergency contact numbers for Pakistanis seeking information about the accident. However, it remains unclear whether the passengers on board were migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
Tragedy Amid Ongoing Migrant Crisis
Libya has become a key transit route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, attempting dangerous journeys to Europe. Many fall victim to human traffickers and unsafe voyages.
The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed that volunteers found three mass graves at the farm. The deceased were sent for forensic examinations. These findings highlight the ongoing dangers of illegal migration routes.
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Previous Migrant Boat Disasters
Pakistan has seen several tragedies involving migrants attempting to reach Europe.
- December 2024: Around 40 Pakistanis died in boat disasters off Greece. Another 47 were rescued.
- June 2023: An Italy-bound trawler carrying 800 migrants sank off Greece, with 300 Pakistanis feared dead.
- April 2023: Several Pakistanis were among dozens killed in two migrant boat incidents off Libya.
- February 2023: A wooden boat crashed on the Italian coast, killing 59 people, including Pakistanis.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking
Pakistan has taken steps to combat human smuggling networks. Authorities have dismissed 50 Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials for alleged involvement in illegal migration schemes.
To prevent further tragedies, the FIA has tightened airport screening. In January alone, 2,500 passengers were offloaded at Lahore airport for failing security checks.
Urgent Need for Action
The repeated migrant disasters highlight the need for stronger anti-smuggling measures and safer migration policies. Human traffickers continue to exploit desperate people seeking better lives, leading to tragic losses at sea.
With the Pakistan Embassy in Libya actively investigating the latest accident, families await answers. The government must strengthen its fight against illegal migration while ensuring safe and legal pathways for those seeking opportunities abroad.
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