Rawat (Pothwar.com, Ikramul Haq Qureshi, May 23, 2023) – The bodies of two Pakistani nationals who tragically lost their lives in a boat accident while attempting to migrate to Europe via Libya have arrived in Islamabad. The remains of Atiq Abbas, 27, son of Muhammad Abbas, and Muhammad Abdullah, 25, son of Altaf, were repatriated to Pakistan and buried near Rawat, Islamabad.
This incident adds to the growing number of Pakistani lives lost while attempting to reach Europe through perilous boat journeys via Libya. According to reports, the tally of Pakistani nationals who have lost their lives in such attempts has reached 111. Thousands of Pakistanis are currently awaiting their turn in various cities of Libya to embark on their journey to Europe.
Among the deceased, the majority hailed from Gujranwala, Wah Cantonment, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot. Earlier, the bodies of Imran Azam and Muhammad Awais had already been repatriated. The bodies of two more Pakistani youths, Atiq Abbas, 27, and Muhammad Abdullah, 25, arrived at Islamabad Airport from Libya. The bodies were then transported to Dhok Gohar, Rawat, for burial.
All these young Pakistanis, who fell victim to such incidents, had paid amounts ranging from forty to fifty lakhs for their journey to Libya and subsequent attempts to enter Europe illegally via boats. Apart from being held in Libyan jails, a significant number of Pakistani youth are also held captive in smugglers’ dens there.
The authorities continue to urge individuals to refrain from undertaking dangerous and illegal migration attempts. The risks involved in such journeys are substantial, and the loss of precious lives is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who venture on these perilous routes. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about legal migration options and to address the underlying issues that lead individuals to undertake such risky journeys.
The government is providing support to the affected families, including counseling services and necessary assistance. They are also collaborating with international counterparts to address the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens abroad and ensure their safety.
It is crucial for the international community to work together to combat illegal migration, protect vulnerable individuals, and promote safe and legal channels for those seeking a better future.