PM Shehbaz Sharif demands report, orders strict action against human traffickers
ISLAMABAD: A tragic incident involving migrants attempting to reach Spain from West Africa has reportedly claimed the lives of up to 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis, according to the migrant rights group Walking Borders.
The group reported on Thursday that the boat, which departed from Mauritania on January 2, was carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis. Moroccan authorities rescued 36 people from the vessel on Wednesday.
The migrants were part of a larger wave attempting the perilous journey across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands.
Walking Borders, based in Madrid and Navarra, revealed that the boat had been missing for days before authorities were alerted. Six days ago, the group had informed officials in all relevant countries about the vessel’s disappearance.
The non-governmental organization Alarm Phone, which assists migrants lost at sea, also contacted Spain’s maritime rescue service on January 12. However, the service reportedly had no information about the boat’s whereabouts.
According to Walking Borders, 2024 saw a record number of migrant deaths, with 10,457 people—roughly 30 per day—losing their lives while attempting to reach Spain, mostly along the Atlantic route from West African countries such as Mauritania and Senegal.
The Canary Islands, a key destination for many migrants, have become one of the deadliest migration routes.
Helena Maleno, CEO of Walking Borders, shared on social media that 44 of the victims were from Pakistan, describing the ordeal as a 13-day journey of suffering and anguish with no rescue assistance.
The tragedy has sparked outrage among local officials and humanitarian groups.
Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, expressed deep sorrow and called on Spain and Europe to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
“The Atlantic cannot continue to be the graveyard of Africa,” Clavijo stated on social media platform X, urging international leaders to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
PM Shehbaz Seeks Report, Orders Strict Action
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the tragic boat disaster and demanded a report from the relevant authorities.
In a statement from his office, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the elevation of their souls.
He emphasized that strict action would be taken against those involved in human trafficking, calling it a “vile crime,” and assured that no negligence would be tolerated in addressing such incidents.
Embassy in Contact with Local Authorities
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of several Pakistanis in the boat accident and stated that the Pakistani embassy is in contact with local authorities.
The embassy in Morocco reported that the boat, carrying 80 passengers—including several Pakistanis—capsized near the Dakhla port in Morocco after departing from Mauritania. Survivors, including Pakistani nationals, are currently residing in a camp near Dakhla.
The Foreign Ministry has activated its Crisis Management Unit and dispatched a team to Dakhla to provide assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed relevant authorities to ensure all possible help for the affected Pakistanis.
The Foreign Ministry has also released emergency contact details for assistance:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad: +92 51 9207887 | Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk
- Pakistani Embassy in Rabat:
- Rabia Kasuri (Charge d’Affaires): +212 689 52 23 65
- Nauman Ali (Consular Assistant): +92 310 2204672
