Islamabad, February 11, 2025: At least seven Pakistanis have been confirmed dead in a tragic boat accident off the coast of Libya, while 16 others remain missing. The ill-fated vessel, carrying approximately 65 migrants, capsized near the port of Marsa Dila, northwest of the Libyan city of Zawiya.
According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the deceased were residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with six belonging to Kurram district and one from Bajaur. Their identities were confirmed through their passports. So far, 10 bodies have been recovered as rescue operations continue.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. In response, the Pakistani embassy in Tripoli has dispatched a team to Zawiya Hospital to assist local authorities in identifying the victims. Efforts are also underway to determine the fate of the missing passengers, including the unaccounted-for Pakistanis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed the Foreign Ministry to expedite the identification process of the deceased. He has also sought a detailed report from the relevant authorities.
Offering condolences to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister prayed for the departed souls and instructed authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the victims and their families. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking, he vowed strict action against those responsible, stating that no negligence in this matter would be tolerated.
