Pakistan, Greece Collaborate in Boat Tragedy Response

A special cell has been established at the Pakistani Embassy in Athens to assist Pakistanis affected by a recent boat tragedy in Greek waters. The cell, set up on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is working to identify the affected individuals and connect them with their families. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is overseeing the operation.

At least five migrants, mostly from Pakistan, have been confirmed dead following the incident, while 47 others have been rescued and transferred to Crete. The numbers of missing persons are still unknown as the search and rescue operations continue. The rescue efforts involve Greek coastguard boats, Italian frigates, merchant vessels, and naval aircraft, covering a wide area where the accident is believed to have occurred.

The Pakistani Embassy in Athens is in close coordination with the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Coast Guard of Chania to ensure the well-being of the affected Pakistanis. The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated to assist Pakistani nationals in Greece and has urged families of missing individuals to contact them for assistance. The CMU will also oversee the identification of the deceased and ensure that families are allowed to identify their loved ones.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Interior Minister to launch nationwide operations against human smuggling networks and formed a committee to investigate the incident. President Asif Ali Zardari has also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and condemned human smuggling as a deplorable act.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by migrants in their quest for a better life, with many taking perilous routes to reach their destinations. It also underscores the importance of effective cooperation between countries in managing these complex issues.