A Sukkur district court has summoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi regarding the deaths of Pakistani nationals in migrant boat tragedies off Greece. The officials have been directed to appear before the court on January 15.
Court Issues Notices to Top Officials
The additional session judge in Sukkur issued notices to PM Shehbaz, FM Ishaq Dar, and Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The petition claims government negligence contributed to the deaths of 75 Pakistanis in the boat incidents, urging the court to register a case against the officials.
Migrant Boat Tragedy: Over 80 Feared Dead
The boat tragedy, which occurred in December 2024 near Greece, claimed over 80 Pakistani lives. The boats, carrying migrants from Pakistan and other countries, capsized on December 13-14. While 36 people were rescued, many remain missing and are presumed dead.
Table 1: Casualties in Migrant Boat Tragedy
| Country | Total Casualties | Rescued | Missing | Presumed Dead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 80+ | 36 | 40 | 75 |
| Bangladesh | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Egypt | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sudan | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
PM Orders Action Against Human Traffickers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered legal action against human trafficking groups, including confiscating their assets. The directive follows the migrant boat disaster and aims to set a strong example by punishing traffickers and their facilitators.
FIA Cracks Down on Human Traffickers
The FIA has already taken action against government officials involved in trafficking. PM Shehbaz called for stricter punishments and effective legal measures to combat human trafficking networks operating in the country.
Table 2: Key Actions Taken Against Human Trafficking
| Action Taken | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Confiscation of Assets | Legal measures to seize traffickers’ assets | In progress |
| Disciplinary Action Against Officials | FIA disciplinary actions on government officials | Several officials under investigation |
| Increased Prosecution Efforts | Appoint top lawyers for prosecution | In progress |
Raising Awareness About Legal Employment
PM Shehbaz stressed the need for an awareness campaign to educate the public about using legal channels for overseas employment. He also proposed promoting technical training programs to better equip Pakistani workers for international job markets.
Strengthening Migration Screening Processes
To prevent illegal migration, PM Shehbaz urged improving the screening process at airports. This measure aims to ensure that only those traveling legally are allowed to leave the country.
Table 3: Proposed Measures to Improve Migration Safety
| Measure | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness Campaign | Launch a campaign on legal overseas employment | Better-informed citizens |
| Technical Training Programs | Promote certified training for international jobs | Increased skilled labor for exports |
| Enhanced Airport Screening | Strengthen procedures at airports | Reduced illegal migration |
Conclusion: Legal Action and Accountability
As the migrant tragedy unfolds, the Pakistani government is facing increasing pressure to hold accountable those responsible for human trafficking and the deaths of Pakistani nationals. The court summons and PM’s directives reflect efforts to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.
