Eight more survivors of Morocco boat tragedy return home

ISLAMABAD: Eight more Pakistanis, who survived the deadly Morocco boat capsize, have returned home. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested them upon arrival.

Yesterday, seven survivors had reached Pakistan in the first batch. In total, 22 Pakistanis survived the tragic accident.

The boat, carrying migrants to Spain’s Canary Islands, capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled port city in the disputed Western Sahara, on January 16. The disaster claimed the lives of 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis.

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Seven Pakistani survivors were previously deported from Spain and Italy before returning to Pakistan, where FIA recorded their statements.

They revealed harrowing details of the abuse they faced at the hands of human traffickers. Based on their testimonies, FIA has expanded its investigation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier assured that all surviving Pakistanis would be repatriated, with diplomatic efforts led by the Pakistani Embassy in Rabat. The embassy has been managing relief operations and coordinating their return.

The ill-fated boat was attempting to reach Spain illegally via West Africa when it capsized.

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Human trafficking remains a major crisis for Pakistan, with hundreds dying each year while attempting to reach Europe through illegal land and sea routes.

Authorities have intensified a crackdown on human smugglers, sacking several immigration officials for negligence.

Web Desk