ISLAMABAD: Six young men from Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district are among dozens feared dead after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya, relatives said on Tuesday, highlighting the continued toll of illegal migration routes to Europe.
The vessel, carrying around 115 passengers, overturned late Sunday along the central Mediterranean route, one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors. Survivor accounts suggest only about 30 people were rescued, while international maritime officials fear at least 73 are dead. The total number of Pakistani casualties has not been officially confirmed.
The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies involving migrants departing from Libya toward Europe, as thousands attempt perilous sea crossings each year driven by economic hardship and limited opportunities at home.
In the village of Inayat Kalay in Bajaur, families have begun an agonizing wait to repatriate the bodies of loved ones who left in search of a better future.
Among the victims was 35-year-old Nadeem Khan, a father of four who had left Pakistan eight months ago hoping to reach the United Kingdom.
“A friend who was traveling with Nadeem called and gave us the tragic news,” Shafor Khan, Nadeem’s cousin told Arab News. “His friend said that when the boat was sinking, he managed to grab a rope. He kept shouting at Nadeem to hold on, but the strong waves took him away.”
Khan said an agent later confirmed that Nadeem and five others from Bajaur had died in the incident.
Javed Khan, another relative, identified 25-year-old Wali Khan and 25-year-old Hamza Khan among the deceased and said the repatriation process could take 15 to 20 days, based on previous cases.
Sources within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told Arab News three young men from Pakistan’s Gujrat district were also among the dead, though officials have yet to confirm the overall number of Pakistani victims. The Foreign Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The disaster underscores the persistence of so-called “Dunki” migration, a term used in South Asia for irregular and often dangerous journeys to Europe facilitated by human smuggling networks.
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes. In 2023, a fishing trawler capsized near Greece, killing at least 82 people, including dozens of Pakistanis.
Pakistan has stepped up efforts to curb human smuggling, with authorities arresting hundreds of agents in recent months and launching awareness campaigns to deter illegal migration.
Despite these measures, economic pressures and the promise of better opportunities abroad continue to drive many young Pakistanis to undertake risky journeys.
“They left with hope in their hearts but lost their lives,” said Javed Khan. “The homes they left behind are now filled with sorrow.”
