Four Pakistanis die in Libya boat tragedy

Islamabad

At least 11 people died when a boat carrying migrants overturned near Harawa, close to Sirte in eastern Libya. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that four of the dead were Pakistani citizens. The victims were identified as Zahid Mahmood from Gujranwala, and Sameer Ali, Syed Ali Hussain, and Asif Ali from Mandi Bahaudin, Punjab.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He said strict action would be taken against human traffickers who lure people into dangerous journeys. He also ordered the Pakistan Mission in Tripoli and the Foreign Office to help bring the bodies back home.

A team from the Pakistan Embassy in Libya confirmed the deaths during a visit to Sirte. Two other bodies have not been identified yet. The Crisis Management Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been activated to handle the situation.

This is not the first such tragedy. In February, 16 Pakistanis died in a similar incident off the Libyan coast. In January, over 40 Pakistanis died when a migrant boat capsized near Spain. In December 2024, more than 80 drowned near Greece.

The government has started a crackdown on human smuggling. Over 35 officials from the Federal Investigation Agency were suspended or dismissed. Religious leaders also declared illegal migration against Islamic teachings. Still, many continue to risk their lives.