Greece boat tragedy survivors reveal sufferings of Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Shocking revelations have emerged from the survivors of the boat that sank in Greece on Wednesday, exposing the disproportionately high death toll of Pakistani passengers.

British media reports indicate that those who managed to survive shared harrowing accounts with Greece coast guards, highlighting the discriminatory treatment meted out to the Pakistani nationals on board.

The survivors disclosed that Pakistani passengers were forcibly confined to the lower section of the vessel, while passengers of other nationalities were allowed to occupy the upper part. This unsettling disparity, as reported by the survivors to the Greece coast guards, potentially played a significant role in the devastating loss of lives.

The survivors told the coast guards that those occupying the upper portion of the vessel had a better chance of survival during the disaster.

The boat sinking in Greece has resulted in dozens of fatalities, with at least 43 missing persons hailing from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the survivors’ statements, Pakistanis in the lower part of the boat faced mistreatment and abuse when attempting to ascend. Women and children were reportedly restricted to a confined space due to the presence of men in the boat, exacerbating the already dire circumstances.

The survivors further revealed the grim conditions aboard the ill-fated boat. Prior to the sinking, six Pakistani individuals had already lost their lives due to a lack of water.

According to the western media, the boat’s engine had malfunctioned three days prior to the incident, adding to the perilous situation faced by those on board.

The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed that 12 Pakistani nationals who survived the Greece boat incident have been identified.

Pakistani media reports suggest that approximately 300 Pakistanis were among those who sank, while British media placed the number of Pakistani passengers on the ill-fated vessel at around 400, with only 12 managing to survive.

The boat tragedy in Greece has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of migrants and refugees undertaking perilous journeys in search of better lives.

Efforts are now under way to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold accountable those responsible for the mistreatment and discrimination experienced by the Pakistani passengers.

As authorities continue their investigations and families mourn the loss of their loved ones, this devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals undertaking treacherous sea crossings and the urgent need for international cooperation to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a three-member committee to investigate the tragedy and identify the human traffickers. The premier has also declared a national day of mourning on Monday.