Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Chairs Meeting on Human Trafficking Following Greece Boat Tragedy
Greece Boat Tragedy: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to address the issue of human trafficking and the recent capsizing of a boat in the Mediterranean near Greece. The meeting focused on the ongoing crackdown on human traffickers, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals, including the prime suspect.
The prime minister expressed his displeasure over the delay in taking action against traffickers and emphasized the need for swift and decisive measures to combat this menace. He directed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to oversee the investigation process and propose necessary legislation to prevent human trafficking. PM Shehbaz also instructed the investigation committee to promptly submit its report upon completion.
The tragic boat incident off the coast of Greece has raised concerns globally, with estimates ranging from 400 to over 700 people on board, including a significant number from Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). The United Nations Human Rights office reported that approximately 500 people are still missing, with numerous women and children among them. The ferry, carrying up to 750 passengers, sank 50 nautical miles off Pylos in southern Greece.
During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the importance of proactive measures to tackle human smuggling and stressed the need for continuous coordination with the victims’ families. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Greece to maintain close contact with Greek authorities regarding the incident.
In a parallel development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) apprehended two alleged human traffickers in Gujranwala, who were linked to a previous migrant boat tragedy off the coast of Libya. The FIA has expanded its investigation and formed specialized teams across major cities to bring the culprits to justice.
Furthermore, Pakistan has initiated DNA testing to identify the victims of the Greece shipwreck. A 10-member team of renowned doctors has been deployed to collect DNA samples from the relatives of the victims for cross-matching.
The tragic boat incident has prompted urgent action from the Pakistani government, as it seeks to address the pressing issue of human trafficking and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Published in PakWeb, June 21st, 2023.
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