335 Pakistanis die in migrant boat disasters while illegal Europe crossings in four years

Islamabad: A total of 335 Pakistanis have lost their lives in boat disasters while attempting to reach Europe through illegal migration routes, according to documents released by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The FIA report states that seven fatal boat accidents have been recorded since June 2023. Despite the heavy loss of life, many people continue to risk dangerous sea journeys in the hope of reaching Europe, while human trafficking networks keep luring migrants with false promises of a better future.

The report says these repeated tragedies have once again highlighted the dangers of the illegal "Dunki" routes used by migrants.

In June 2023, a boat carrying 226 Pakistani migrants capsized on its way to Greece. Of those on board, 207 lost their lives, while only 19 survived.

Another boat heading to Greece met with disaster in December 2024. The vessel was carrying 69 Pakistanis, of whom 25 died and 44 were rescued.

According to the FIA documents, a separate boat accident near Morocco in January 2025 involved 70 Pakistani migrants. In February 2025, another boat sank off the coast of Libya, where 40 Pakistanis were identified among those involved. The incident claimed the lives of 23 Pakistanis, while 13 survived.

The report further reveals that four major boat disasters involving migrants departing from Libya were recorded during 2025 and 2026. These incidents occurred in February, April, and October 2025, and again in April 2026. A total of 102 Pakistanis were affected, with 71 confirmed dead and 30 rescued.

The FIA warned that despite the alarming death toll, attempts to reach Europe through illegal channels continue, fueled by human trafficking networks that persuade people to undertake these life-threatening journeys.