Pakistan on Monday observed a national day of mourning for the hundreds of Pakistani migrants who died when a boat carrying them sank in the Mediterranean Sea off the Greek coast.
The boat, which was carrying an estimated 750 people, sank on Wednesday. At least 104 people survived, including 12 Pakistanis. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation, but it is believed that the boat may have been overloaded or that it may have hit a rock.
The Pakistani government has expressed its grief over the tragedy and has vowed to bring those responsible to justice. The government has also set up a helpline for families of the victims.
The sinking of the boat is a reminder of the dangers faced by migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life. In recent years, thousands of migrants have died trying to make the crossing.
The Pakistani government has urged people to not take the risk of trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea illegally. The government has said that there are safe and legal ways to migrate to Europe.
The national day of mourning was observed across Pakistan. The national flag was flown at half-mast and all official functions were canceled. People held prayers for the victims and their families.
The tragedy has highlighted the need for international cooperation to address the issue of migration. The international community needs to work together to find ways to help people who are fleeing violence and persecution, while also preventing people from taking dangerous journeys.
Netizens at home and abroad have condemned the authorities in Greece for not responding promptly to the incident or making any effort to avoid such a tragedy. Reports have been circulating on social media that the migrants were “deliberately not rescued” and that there was “discrimination” towards Pakistanis who were forced below the deck amid the grim voyage.
The Greek authorities have denied these allegations, saying that they responded to the sinking as quickly as possible and that they are investigating the matter.
The tragedy has left a deep scar on the people of Pakistan. The families of the victims are inconsolable and the country is in a state of mourning. The government has vowed to do everything it can to help the families of the victims and to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.