16 Pakistanis among dead in Libya boat tragedy, FO confirms

In a devastating maritime tragedy, a boat carrying 65 passengers sank off the coast of Libya, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 16 Pakistani nationals. The Embassy of Pakistan in Tripoli has reported that 37 individuals survived, while around 10 remain missing.

A dedicated team from the Pakistani embassy visited Zawiya city, where they met local officials and hospital authorities to gather crucial information.

The Foreign Office (FO) has assured that all possible support is being extended to the affected families.

List of Identified Deceased

The deceased Pakistanis, identified via passports, largely hailed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), including districts such as Kurram, Bajaur, and Orakzai.

1. Saqlain Haider (Kurram, KPK)
2. Siraj Uddin (Bajaur, KPK)
3. Shoaib Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
4. Nusrat Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
5. Shoaib Ali (Kurram, KPK)
6. Sayed Shehzad Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
7. Abid Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
8. Asif Ali (Kurram, KPK)
9. Muhammad Ali Shah (Orakzai, KPK)
10. Musawir Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
11. Aswar Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
12. Abid Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
13. Musaib Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
14. Anis Khan (Peshawar, KPK)
15. Ashfaq Hussain (Kurram, KPK)
16. Shahid Hussain (Kurram, KPK)

Status of Survivors

Among the survivors:

• One individual remains hospitalized.
• 33 are in police custody.
• Three are being assisted by the Pakistani embassy.

The embassy is actively coordinating with Libyan authorities to ensure the safe return of survivors and provide updates to the affected families.

Following this tragic incident, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human traffickers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered strict action to prevent more Pakistanis from falling victim to illegal migration networks.

FIA’s Actions Against Human Smuggling

• Authorities have arrested key traffickers involved in illegal migration.
• A nationwide operation is targeting human smuggling rings.
• Over 60 FIA officials have been dismissed for colluding with smugglers.

This incident follows another heartbreaking capsizing that occurred on January 16, when a boat carrying 80 passengers sank near Morocco, reportedly claiming the lives of over 45 Pakistanis.

The Pakistani government continues efforts to curb illegal migration, urging citizens to avoid risky sea crossings orchestrated by human traffickers.