Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Hellenic Police of Greece have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their commitment to international cooperation in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling. It aims to facilitate the exchange of crucial information, enhance mutual support in criminal investigations, and promote capacity-building initiatives.
The statement highlights the dedication of both organizations to combat transnational crimes. The aim is to ensure the prosecution of wrongdoers through this collaboration.
In June this year, a boat carrying migrants, including more than 300 Pakistanis, capsized off the coast of Greece. The death toll from this disaster may have reached several hundred. Witness accounts suggested that between 400 and 750 people were on board the fishing boat, which sank about 50 miles from the southern Greek town of Pylos. People believe the boat departed from Tobruk, a region in eastern Libya known as a major departure point for smugglers’ boats attempting to reach Europe.
The Central Mediterranean route from Libya or Tunisia to Europe is one of the deadliest migratory routes globally, with over 21,000 recorded deaths and disappearances in the region since 2014. Despite the risks, asylum seekers continue to undertake this perilous journey in an attempt to escape hardship and conflict in their home countries, while international human traffickers exploit their desperation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, survivors, including 12 Pakistanis, faced severe shock, exhaustion, and health issues. Some were treated for pneumonia, and they grappled with the trauma of their ordeal.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for a credible investigation into the migrant shipwreck off Greece, citing concerns about conflicting accounts between the Greek coastguard and survivors.
