ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed action against government officials who were facilitating human traffickers, his office said, following the death of five Pakistani nationals in a migrant boat capsize off Greece.
The boat tragedy, which occurred last week, underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to conflicts around the world. In the case of Pakistani nationals, the movement is mostly driven by economic reasons, with many young individuals attempting to reach European shores in search of better financial prospects.
Sharif presided over a meeting on Friday to discuss the measures the government needed to take to prevent human trafficking, which he said had brought disgrace to Pakistan worldwide.
“PM directs identification of Federal Investigation Agency officials involved in facilitating human traffickers and strict action against them,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
The participants were briefed on the Dec. 14 boat incident off Greece and the steps taken to combat human trafficking, including parliamentary efforts to improve legislation on the issue.
The prime minister was informed that only five Pakistanis had been identified so far, while the identities of the others were still being verified, according to his office. The Pakistani embassy in Athens was in constant contact with Greek authorities regarding the migrant boat incident.
“For information and assistance regarding boat accident, Pakistan Embassy in Athens can be contacted on helpline +30-6943850188 and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Crisis Management Unit number 0519207887,” the statement read.
Sharif directed government authorities improve coordination to prevent human trafficking, highlighting that the Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin districts of Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province were the “most vulnerable” to traffickers.
He ordered action against officials who conducted a delayed investigation into those responsible for a 2023 boat capsizing incident in Greece that involved hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, according to the statement.
The migrants drowned when an overcrowded vessel capsized in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sharif directed authorities complete the ongoing investigation into human traffickers at the earliest and submit a report in this regard.
Pakistan PM orders action against officials aiding human traffickers after Greek boat tragedy
https://arab.news/2hxq2
Pakistan PM orders action against officials aiding human traffickers after Greek boat tragedy
- Five Pakistani nationals drowned last week after a boat carrying migrants capsized off Greece
- Four districts of eastern Punjab province identified as ‘most vulnerable’ to human traffickers
Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Navy chief calls for strengthened cooperation between hydrographic offices of both countries
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf is in Malaysia where he held talks with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to enhance operational cooperation, capacity building and responses to maritime security challenges, the Pakistani Navy said on Sunday.
Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close ties ever since they established diplomatic ties in 1957. Both countries have strengthened cooperation in various sectors such as defense, trade, economy, manpower exports and education over the years.
Ashraf was received at the RMN’s headquarters by Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the RMN chief, Pakistan’s Navy said in a statement.
“Discussions focused on aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing operational cooperation, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges,” the statement said.
Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional stability through the Regional Maritime Security Patrols and its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.
He also visited Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Center, calling for strengthened cooperation with Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office in training, data exchange, and professional collaboration.
“The visit reaffirmed the enduring Pakistan-Malaysia naval partnership and commitment to future-oriented maritime cooperation,” Pakistan Navy said.
Pakistan’s army, navy and air force have aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation with their counterparts since last year when Pakistan and India were embroiled in a brief military confrontation.
Both countries pounded each other with missiles, drone strikes, fighter jets and artillery fire for four days until Washington brokered a ceasefire between them on May 10.
