Libya boat tragedy — remains of six Pakistanis brought home

ISLAMABAD: The bodies of six Pakistanis, who drowned after a boat carrying passengers who aimed to enter Europe illegally capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, arrived at the Islamabad Airport on Thursday.

Federal Minister Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada was present to receive the bodies of the deceased. Sixteen Pakistanis who were onboard the ill-fated boat which capsized earlier this month .

“The February tragedy has left many families in mourning, and the government stands with them in this difficult time. We are making necessary arrangements to make sure that the remaining 10 bodies are repatriated soon,” said Riaz Hussain.

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On February 11, the Pakistani embassy in Tripoli had confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies, identified through their Pakistani passports, while efforts continued to locate the remaining missing individuals.

A total of 63 Pakistani nationals were aboard the boat, the FO Spokesperson had said adding that so far, 37 survivors have been accounted for, including one individual who was receiving medical treatment at a local hospital and 33 were in police custody.