Bodies of Six Pakistanis from Libya Boat Tragedy Brought Home
ISLAMABAD: The remains of six Pakistani nationals who lost their lives in a tragic boat accident off the coast of Zawiya, Libya, have been repatriated to Pakistan. The bodies arrived at Islamabad airport on Thursday via a Qatar Airways flight, where grieving family members gathered to receive their loved ones.
The ill-fated boat, which capsized earlier this month, was carrying approximately 65 migrants, including 16 Pakistanis. While 37 Pakistani nationals were rescued, nearly 10 remain unaccounted for. The repatriation was coordinated by the Pakistani government, with assistance from the countryβs diplomatic mission in Tripoli.
Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, was present at the airport to oversee the handover of the bodies. Offering his condolences to the bereaved families, he assured them that the government had taken all necessary steps to facilitate the transportation of the deceased to their hometowns. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families and ensuring the repatriation of any remaining bodies.
The six victims, identified as Musawir Hussain, Shoaib Ali, Muhammad Ali Shah, Abid Hussain, Musab Hussain, and Shoaib Hussain, hailed from the Kurram and Orakzai districts of Pakistan.
The Foreign Office had earlier confirmed that Libyan authorities recovered at least 16 Pakistani casualties from the shipwreck. The vessel had overturned near Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City. In response to the disaster, Pakistan established a crisis management cell to assist in repatriation efforts and provide support to the victims’ families.
Speaking at the airport, Minister Pirzada highlighted the grave dangers of illegal migration, urging young Pakistanis to pursue legal avenues for travel and employment abroad. He emphasized that such tragic incidents underscore the risks associated with human trafficking and illegal crossings.
The bodies were handed over to their families, with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation coordinating their transportation to their respective hometowns. Ambulances and medical teams were on standby to assist the mourning relatives.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Kohat has made significant strides in the probe into the Libya boat tragedy. Two key members of an international human trafficking ring, identified as Habibur Rehman and Naveed Ahmed, were apprehended in a raid in Pusht Bazaar, Bajaur.
Authorities revealed that the suspects had ties to a broader network that operated with collaborators in Italy, including individuals named Wajid Ali and Shah Faisal. The gang was reportedly involved in smuggling individuals into Europe through illegal routes. Among the victims of the tragic boat disaster were 14 individuals from Kurram who had been misled into undertaking the perilous journey.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal migration, prompting calls for stricter measures against human trafficking networks and better awareness among those seeking opportunities abroad.
