ISLAMABAD: At least 335 Pakistanis have lost their lives in migrant boat disasters while attempting to reach Europe through irregular routes since June 2023, according to documents compiled by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The FIA records show that seven major boat accidents have been reported during the period. Despite the heavy loss of life, attempts to reach Europe through illegal migration routes continue, with human trafficking networks allegedly luring people into undertaking dangerous sea journeys.
According to the documents, the deadliest incident occurred in June 2023 when a boat carrying 226 Pakistanis capsized en route to Greece. Of those on board, 207 died while only 19 survived.
In December 2024, another boat carrying 69 Pakistanis sank while heading towards Greece, leaving 25 dead and 44 survivors.
The report also states that a boat carrying 70 Pakistanis met with an accident near Morocco in January 2025.
In February 2025, another boat tragedy off Libya involved 40 identified Pakistani nationals. Twenty-three of them died, while 13 were rescued.
The FIA documents further reveal that four major boat disasters involving migrants travelling from Libya were reported during 2025 and 2026—in February, April and October 2025, and April 2026. These incidents affected 102 Pakistanis, with 71 fatalities and 30 survivors.
The agency warned that despite repeated tragedies and mounting casualties, illegal migration attempts continue, largely driven by human smuggling networks that persuade people to undertake life-threatening journeys in pursuit of reaching Europe.
