The bodies of 6 Pakistanis who died in a boat accident off the coast of Libya this month have arrived at the Islamabad International Airport.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada, representing the Prime Minister, received the bodies brought under special arrangements.
On February 5, a boat carrying 70 passengers, including 63 Pakistanis, capsized off the coast of the Libyan city of Zawiya, resulting in the death of 16 Pakistanis.
Pakistani authorities have claimed that 37 survivors have been identified but at least 10 Pakistanis are still missing. The provincial minister prayed for the deceased and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Speaking to the media, he said that he shares the grief of the bereaved families over this tragic incident.
Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that the government of Pakistan stands with the bereaved families at every possible level, all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the bodies are delivered to their loved ones in the best possible manner.
He pointed out that the Pakistani Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation and other relevant departments are working tirelessly in this entire process, he assured that the remaining bodies will be brought back as soon as possible.
He added that efforts are underway to bring back the 37 Pakistanis who survived the accident from Libya.
The federal minister, while highlighting the dangers of trying to reach Europe through illegal means, said that this is a heartbreaking incident.
He urged the youth and their families not to take such dangerous routes that often result in complete loss. He encouraged the youth to take legal routes for traveling abroad.
He said that the government is running various programs for skill development and has arranged employment opportunities for the youth, and the youth should take advantage of these initiatives.
