Around 50 Pakistanis have died while attempting to reach Europe by boat across the Atlantic Ocean, according to an NGO and the victims’ families. The boat, carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, left Mauritania for Spain’s Canary Islands. The NGO Walking Borders reported that Moroccan authorities rescued 36 people, but 44 others, presumed drowned, were from Pakistan.
The families of the victims gathered in their villages after hearing the tragic news. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into the incident and is gathering details about the victims and their families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to provide a report and promised strict action against those responsible for human trafficking.
Walking Borders had warned the authorities about the missing boat six days prior, and an emergency line, Alarm Phone, had also informed Spain’s maritime rescue service about the distressed boat. Despite air searches and warnings to nearby ships, the boat was not located in time. The incident occurred in the disputed Western Sahara region, where several non-state actors are active.
Disclaimer: Above information have been gathered from various reports & newspapers for information purpose only.
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