The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken an important step following the 2023 Libyan ship tragedy, issuing red notices through Interpol for 20 foreign-based human traffickers, according to APP.
These traffickers are accused of being involved in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of more than 260 Pakistanis when an overcrowded ship sank off the coastal town of Pylos in southwestern Greece.
The tragedy, which occurred in international waters, sparked widespread attention in Pakistan about the dangers of illegal migration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif quickly called for intensified efforts against human traffickers, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
In response to the tragedy, the FIA, with the help of global law enforcement agencies, has taken swift action by blocking identity documents and bank accounts linked to the facilitators of the crime.
As part of ongoing investigations, the FIA has arrested at least 144 people, including 16 lawyers, in connection with the boat tragedy. Additionally, the agency has registered 197 cases related to human trafficking and blacklisted the passports of 55 people involved in the incident.
FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir has instructed officers at airports to increase surveillance and prevent suspects from fleeing abroad. The agency’s actions underscore the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking and preventing these types of tragedies in the future.
Driven by economic difficulties, many young people risk their lives by trying to cross dangerously. These crossings are often facilitated by traffickers, who exploit the desperation of these migrants for profit.
In a separate incident, on December 19, 2023, another boat tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos left five Pakistanis dead, further underscoring the risks involved in illegal migration. Following this incident, Pakistani authorities arrested a woman and two other human traffickers on December 27.
