ISLAMABAD: The remains of six Pakistani nationals who tragically lost their lives in a boat incident off the coast of Zawiya City, Libya, arrived in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Government of Pakistan facilitated the return after completing necessary formalities through the Pakistani mission in Tripoli, Libya. The repatriated bodies were part of a group of 16 Pakistanis who died when a boat carrying around 65 passengers capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, northwest of Zawiya City.
A total of 37 Pakistanis survived the tragic incident. Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, received the remains upon arrival and ensured proper arrangements were made for their transfer to their hometowns. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “The tragedy that occurred on February 5 has left many families in mourning. The government stands with the families of the victims at every possible level.”
Pirzada further stated that the remaining bodies would also be repatriated soon, and efforts were underway to bring back the 37 survivors. He used the incident to urge the youth not to take dangerous routes to Europe and to travel through legal means.
Facilitation desks were set up at the airport to assist grieving families, and ambulances were arranged to transport the remains to Peshawar.
The six deceased repatriated today hailed from various regions, including Kurram and Orakzai. Their bodies were handed over to their families, and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) coordinated onward transportation.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safe repatriation of all deceased nationals from the tragic incident, according to state-run reports.
