Pakistan Seeks Confirmation on Casualties in Greece Boat Accident

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of one Pakistani citizen in a recent boat tragedy off the coast of Greece, with efforts continuing to verify the status of other nationals involved. The ministry issued a statement on Sunday, revealing that initial reports indicated 47 Pakistanis were rescued after two boats capsized south of the Greek island of Crete. However, confirming the exact number of fatalities or missing persons remains challenging at this stage.

The Pakistan Embassy in Athens is actively coordinating with the Hellenic Coast Guard, who are leading the search and rescue operations. Embassy officials have arrived in Crete to provide assistance to the survivors. Additionally, a Crisis Management Unit has been activated to support the affected individuals.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the establishment of an emergency cell at the Pakistani embassy to address the situation, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is personally overseeing efforts to assist the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has ordered an inquiry into the incident, with a special committee headed by the Additional Secretary of Interior. The committee is expected to submit its findings within five days. Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized the need for robust action against human trafficking syndicates involved in such illegal ventures.

The incident occurred late Saturday when a wooden boat capsized near the southern Greek island of Gyodos, claiming at least five lives, with many others still unaccounted for. The Interior Ministry has warned of the dangerous impact of human trafficking and vowed to take stronger measures to combat it.