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RAWALPINDI: The mortal remains of six Pakistani nationals, who perished in the Feb 5 boat tragedy off the coast of Libya, arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Thursday.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada received the bodies on behalf of the prime minister, which were brought through special arrangements.
The vessel carrying 70 passengers, including about 63 Pakistanis, capsized off the coast of Libya’s Zawiya city, resulting in the death of 16 Pakistanis.
The Pakistani authorities claimed that 37 survivors had been identified, but at least 10 Pakistanis still remain missing.
The minister offered prayers for the deceased and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
While speaking to the media, he said they shared the grief of the bereaved families over the tragic incident, a press release issued by the Ministry of Housing and Works said.
Mr Pirzada said the government of Pakistan stands with the grieving families at every possible level. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the bodies are delivered to their loved ones in the best possible manner.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, and other relevant departments had been working tirelessly throughout this process.
He held out the assurance that the rest of the bodies would be brought back as soon as possible.
Additionally, he added, efforts were underway to repatriate the 37 Pakistanis, who survived the accident, from Libya.
The minister said it was a “heartbreaking incident” and highlighted the dangers of attempting to reach Europe through illegal means.
He urged young people and their families not to take such perilous routes, which often lead to absolute loss. He encouraged them to pursue legal avenues for travelling abroad. “The government is running various programmes to provide skill development and had organised employment opportunities for the youth,” he said, adding that the youth should take advantage of these initiatives.
Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025
