ISLAMABAD: A group of migrants who survived the capsizing of a boat off the coast of West Africa earlier this month began returning to Pakistan on Thursday, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Some 50 people died when a boat carrying them to the Canary Islands capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled port city in the disputed Western Sahara, including 44 Pakistanis, according to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Walking Borders, a Spain-based migrant rights group.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that some of the 22 Pakistani survivors had already returned home on two flights. He did not give any further details, and it was unclear how many survivors returned home.
Almost all the Pakistanis who were on the boat were from cities in the eastern province of Punjab, and relatives of those who are feared dead have been urging the government to make efforts to bring back their bodies.
Hundreds of Pakistanis die every year while trying to reach Europe by land and sea with the help of human smugglers. Pakistan says it has launched a crackdown on human traffickers and sacked several immigration officials for negligence.
Migrants who survived capsize off African coast begin returning to Pakistan
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Migrants who survived capsize off African coast begin returning to Pakistan
- Some 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis, died when a boat carrying them to Canary Islands capsized near Moroccan coast
- Foreign ministry spokesperson says some of the 22 Pakistani survivors had already returned home on two flights
Nine Pakistani firms showcase auto components at Automechanika Dubai 2025
- Pakistan to present automotive parts, engineering goods, hybrid-tech capabilities to global buyers
- Expo expected to draw 50,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries, Consulate says
ISLAMABAD: Nine Pakistani companies are exhibiting automotive parts and engineering products at Automechanika Dubai 2025, one of the world’s largest auto-sector trade events, the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai said on Tuesday.
The three-day expo, being held from Dec. 9–11 at the Dubai World Trade Center, is expected to draw more than 50,000 buyers and 2,400 exhibitors from 60 countries, showcasing parts, components, lubricants, batteries, radiators, electronics, diagnostics tools, lighting, accessories, paint and body systems, as well as electric and hybrid vehicle technology.
Pakistan’s automotive and engineering sector contributes to manufacturing, employment and exports, with companies increasingly targeting Middle East and African markets for sourcing and aftermarket supply.
“Nine Pakistani companies facilitated by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are exhibiting their products to highlight Pakistan’s strengths in automotive parts, engineering goods and related industries,” the Consulate said.
Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai Hussain Muhammad inaugurated the country pavilion and said participation at Automechanika reflects Islamabad’s intent to position its manufacturers in global supply chains and expand access to high-value export markets. Trade and Investment Counselor Ali Zeb Khan also reaffirmed support for exporters seeking new business linkages.
In November, Pakistan also exhibited at Big 5 Global 2025, showcasing construction materials and technologies at what is considered the world’s largest construction industry gathering.
