Greece boat tragedy: FIA arrests another ‘human smuggler’
- By Web Desk -
- Jun 19, 2023
GUJRANWALA: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Gujranwala has arrested another ‘human smuggler’ in connection with the Greece boat tragedy, ARY News reported.
As per details, the ‘human smuggler’ Ali Azmat who belongs to Sialkot was arrested for his alleged involvement in illegally sending a youth to Greece who went missing in refugee boat tragedy.
The FIA officials said that the ‘human smuggler’ received Rs 1.7 million for sending the youth to Europe. It is pertinent to mention that Ahsan Sheraz died in the Greece boat tragedy.
A case was registered against the accused ‘human smuggler’ and further investigation is underway, the FIA confirmed.
Crackdowns against human smugglers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed authorities concerned to hold an inquiry into the human trafficking that led to the tragic incident of migrants shipwreck near Greece with several Pakistani nationals onboard.
In a statement, the premier directed concerned authorities for an immediate crackdown against agents involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking and called for bringing them to justice.
The prime minister expressed his deep grief and sorrow over death of Pakistani nationals in the tragic incident that took place off the coast of Greece, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister also directed the officials of the Pakistan embassy in Greece to look after 12 Pakistanis rescued from the scene of disaster.
He also issued orders for taking further stringent action against the elements involved in human trafficking, besides asking the law enforcement agencies for the identification of such traffickers who had been duping people to undertake such perilous steps.
PM Sharif has also announced to observe mourning day on Monday (tomorrow) and constituted a four-member high-level committee to probe into the death of dozens of Pakistanis in the Greece boat tragedy.
500 still missing, says UN
The UN human rights office said that up to 500 people are still missing from a migrant boat that sank off Greece.
The spokesman Jeremy Laurence said that large numbers of women and children were among those missing in the “horrific tragedy” that left 78 people dead. He added that the appalling loss of life underscored the need to bring people smugglers to justice.
A media outlet reported that at least 298 Pakistanis died, 135 from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
One estimate indicated about 400 Pakistanis were on board. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has so far confirmed that only 12 of the 78 survivors were from Pakistan.