ISLAMABAD: At least 335 Pakistanis have been killed in migrant boat accidents over the last four years in their attempts to make way to European nations through illegal routes, according to papers issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The data highlights the human cost of irregular migration and the dangers posed by transnational human smuggling networks that continue to lure individuals with promises of a better future abroad.
As per records of FIA, there have been seven major boat accidents along the maritime migration routes in the last months of June 2023, involving hundreds of Pakistanis.
Among the most deadly accidents was the one in June 2023, where a boat carrying 226 Pakistanis capsized while traveling towards Greece. In this accident, 207 Pakistanis were reported to be killed whereas 19 people survived.
In December 2024, yet another accident took place involving a boat traveling towards Europe through Greece. The boat had 69 Pakistanis on board; out of which 25 were killed and 44 people were saved.
The FIA also added that a boat incident occurred in January 2025 off the coast of Morocco that caused casualties for 70 Pakistani people. Another boat was sunk in February 2025 close to Libya, wherein 40 Pakistani nationals were counted in the list of victims. The death toll stood at 23 people while 13 survived.
There were four major boat sinkings reported for the year 2025 and 2026 that occurred during the attempts of reaching Europe through Libya. These took place in February, April, and October 2025 and in April 2026.
In total, these four boat sinkings claimed 102 lives of Pakistani nationals out of which 71 lost their lives while 30 remained alive.
Despite the number of tragic incidents and many casualties, people continue attempting illegal entry into European countries. It is claimed that human smugglers target the weakest link in the chain by offering them better life conditions with the help of job opportunities in Europe, thus causing hazardous sea trips with sad outcomes.
The FIA highlighted the need to implement more measures to fight against human smuggler networks, increase awareness regarding risks of irregular migration and prevent further loss of life on these routes.
