A tragic boat disaster has left over 40 Pakistanis feared dead near the Moroccan port city of Dakhla in Western Sahara. The boat, which was carrying 80 passengers, capsized during its journey, leaving many families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The Journey and Tragedy
The boat had set sail from Mauritania on January 2, 2025, heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands. After drifting in the Atlantic Ocean for 13 days, Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors on January 15. Sadly, 44 passengers, mostly from Pakistan’s Punjab region, are believed to have drowned in the accident.
Leaders React to the Loss
Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have expressed their sorrow and concern. They called for stronger efforts to combat human trafficking, which continues to put vulnerable people at risk as they try to find a better life abroad. The Pakistani Embassy in Morocco is working closely with Moroccan authorities to help the survivors and locate the missing.
The Dangers of Irregular Migration
This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants trying to reach Europe. The route from Africa to the Canary Islands is extremely risky, and thousands of lives are lost each year. In 2024, over 10,000 migrant deaths were reported on this route alone. Many migrants, driven by economic struggles and limited opportunities at home, still risk their lives in search of a better future.
Fighting Human Trafficking
Pakistani officials have promised to do more to fight human trafficking networks that take advantage of people desperate to escape poverty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit to provide immediate support to the affected families and address their concerns.
A Call for Action
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global efforts to stop irregular migration and ensure safer ways for people to travel. It’s a call for nations to work together and create solutions that protect lives and prevent such disasters from happening again.
Human traficking must be baned