The federal government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic boat accident near Morocco that resulted in the deaths of 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis. A special committee, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been formed to oversee the probe.
The boat, which departed Mauritania on January 2 with 86 passengers, was heading for Spain when it capsized. Moroccan authorities reported rescuing 36 individuals, while the rest are presumed dead. Survivors’ accounts will play a crucial role in uncovering the details of the incident.
In response, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human traffickers, arresting 185 individuals in the past month, including 38 most-wanted traffickers and 16 agents linked to the 2024 Greek boat tragedy. Additionally, 35 FIA officials were dismissed for their involvement in facilitating illegal migration.
A four-member investigative team, comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FIA, and Intelligence Bureau, is set to travel to Morocco. The team will meet survivors, investigate allegations of violence, and gather evidence during their three-to-four-day visit.
FIA reports revealed that 20 individuals traveled from Pakistan to Senegal and Saudi Arabia between May and September 2024, with many using visitor or temporary visas. The victims included individuals from Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot.
Three cases have been registered related to the tragedy, including complaints from families of victims who paid significant amounts to traffickers. Authorities have identified a trafficking gang involving a woman and her two sons, while four suspects remain at large and have been placed on the “Stop List.”
