Authorities in Morocco and Pakistan Arrest Suspects in Boat Tragedy
Task force created by PM to address human trafficking syndicates
Investigators brief officials on Morocco findings regarding Atlantic boat disaster
GUJRAT: Moroccan and Pakistani authorities have claimed to arrest several individuals involved in a tragic human trafficking incident that led to the deaths of over 40 Pakistanis in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. The victims were reportedly attempting to travel from Mauritania to Europe.
According to findings from a high-level investigation team sent to Morocco, the majority of the Pakistani victims aboard the ill-fated vessel were killed by African human traffickers. The Moroccan navy arrested a group of African traffickers, and legal actions are being pursued against them under local laws.
In parallel, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested five individuals, including two from Sialkot. These suspects are allegedly connected to the trafficking of Amir Ali, one of the victims of the boat tragedy. The two men from Sambrial are accused of extorting Rs5.3 million from Amir Ali, promising to transport him to Spain.
Furthermore, the FIAβs Gujranwala spokesperson confirmed the arrest of three other suspected traffickers involved in separate cases across the region.
PM Forms Task Force
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established a special task force to combat human trafficking, which he will personally lead. During a meeting to review anti-human trafficking measures, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of swift actions to apprehend smugglers. He directed relevant departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to play an active role in identifying and dismantling trafficking networks.
The task force’s meeting disclosed that six major human trafficking groups had been identified. Additionally, 12 FIRs were filed, three suspects were arrested, and 16 individuals were added to the passport control list to prevent further smuggling activities.
Findings from Morocco
The delegation, which included officials from the FIA, the Foreign Ministry, and the Intelligence Bureau, spent several days in Morocco. The survivors of the boat tragedy shared their experiences, detailing how African traffickers tortured and murdered many Pakistanis before discarding their bodies into the sea.
The team briefed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and is expected to present its findings to the Prime Minister. The government will soon finalize its stance on the tragedy, guided by the investigation’s outcomes.
Arrangements are also being made to repatriate the survivors and the bodies of the deceased. While legal processes are underway, the exact timeline for their return is yet to be determined.
As reported, 44 Pakistanis are feared to have died, with 10 bodies currently in a Moroccan hospital. Eight of these deceased have been identified, while the identities of the remaining two will be confirmed through DNA tests.
