A devastating incident occurred off the coast of Libya when a boat carrying around 65 passengers, including several Pakistani nationals, capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the tragedy on February 10, 2025, confirming the loss of lives among the migrants.

In response, the Pakistan Embassy in Tripoli has dispatched a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist local authorities in identifying the deceased. The embassy is actively working to gather further details about the Pakistani nationals affected by this incident. The Ministry’s Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated to monitor the situation, and individuals seeking information are advised to contact the helpline at 051-9207887.

This incident adds to a series of tragic events involving migrant boats in recent months. In January 2025, more than 40 Pakistani nationals lost their lives when a boat carrying irregular migrants from Mauritania to Spain capsized. Earlier, in December 2024, over 80 Pakistanis drowned after boats carrying them capsized near Greece. These incidents highlight the perilous journey undertaken by many migrants seeking better opportunities abroad.

The Pakistani government has taken steps to address the issue of human trafficking and illegal migration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has ordered strict action against smugglers and officials facilitating illegal migration. As a result, 35 Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials have been dismissed, and the former director general was removed from his position due to the slow pace of investigations into boat capsizing incidents and large-scale illegal migration.

Religious leaders have also weighed in, with Lahore’s Jamia Naeemia issuing a religious edict against the use of illegal means to travel abroad from Pakistan. The decree emphasizes that using illegal means to go abroad is unlawful and violates Shariah principles, advising individuals to seek legal and safe methods for international travel.