Pakistan authorities need to do more to tackle migrant smugglers

On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan announced that at least 16 Pakistani migrants had died after a boat sank off Libya. 10 others are unaccounted for and many of the survivors have been taken into police custody.

It has been estimated that 65 people originally boarded the migrant boat bound for Europe. So far, 16 dead bodies have been recovered and their Pakistani nationalities established on the basis of their passports, according to a statement.

Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, has expressed deep grief for the victims. The Foreign Ministry has been ordered to complete the process of identifying the victims and providing assistance to those affected.

Pakistan needs to put more effort into tackling migrant smugglers – responsible for many from Pakistan attempting to reach Europe. A rigorous screening procedure has been introduced at all airports in Pakistan to put an end to smuggling.

Also Read | Sudan crisis goes beyond a simple struggle for control. There is more