Global Courant
Karachi, Pakistan
The state flag was lowered at half-mast and special prayers were held in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Sunday to commemorate dozens of youth from the area who lost their lives or disappeared in a boating accident off the coast of Greece on Wednesday.
Following the shocking news that fell like a bombshell on the families of those who lost their lives in the country, the government declared Sunday a “day of mourning” as the region enveloped the region with grief and sorrow.
At least 78 migrants drowned when their fishing boat capsized in southwest Greece on Wednesday.
A total of 104 migrants were rescued, but the death toll is feared to rise as survivors say the ship was carrying more than 600 migrants, mostly from Pakistan, Egypt and Syria.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 12 of the survivors were Pakistani nationals.
The scenic town of Khoe Ratta, in Kotli county, has been in the grip of shock when about 27 teenagers from the area on the unfortunate boat disappeared.
Thousands, including local politicians and government officials, filled the victims’ homes to offer their condolences to the bereaved families.
-Shock city closed
“The whole town is in deep shock. Neighborhood resident Ameer Mughal told Anadolu by phone that shops and markets are closed because special prayers are held in different parts of the district.
Deputy Commissioner Sardar Mushtaq Ahmad told Anadolu Agency (AA) that 27 young people are from different parts of the district and that more data is being collected. The number of victims could increase, he added.
A show played by local broadcaster Geo News showed a family crying as people offered their condolences. According to another footage, a grieving father burst into tears as another bereaved hugs him.
Hundreds of unemployed Pakistani youth risk their lives to reach Europe by sea and road for a better future after paying large sums to human smugglers despite frequent accidents. Many are even shot by border guards.
In March this year, famous Pakistani female athlete Shahida Raza and several others lost their lives when a boat carrying more than 150 athletes from Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan crashed into the rocks while trying to reach the shores of Crotone, Italy.
– Action against human traffickers
Pakistani authorities have launched a new crackdown on human traffickers, particularly in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, as anger grows over the government’s tolerant response.
Government agencies are often accused of linking to or condoning human trafficking.
The federal investigation agency has arrested 10 suspected human smugglers from different parts of Kashmir’s Islamabad-controlled – also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir – and another at Karachi airport who were trying to flee abroad, Geo News reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement that Pakistan’s Embassy in Greece is in contact with Greek authorities to identify the 78 bodies recovered.
“At this stage, we are unable to confirm the number and identity of Pakistani nationals among the deceased,” he said, adding that identification will be done through DNA matching with immediate family members (parents and children only).
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