Libya Boat Tragedy: Bodies of Pakistani Victims Returned to Parachinar

The Libya boat tragedy resulted in the deaths of 16 Pakistanis, with 12 bodies repatriated to Pakistan. The victims, mainly from Parachinar, were laid to rest following their return. Family members of the deceased expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the dire circumstances that compel individuals to undertake perilous migrations for better opportunities.

PARACHINAR: The remains of 12 of the 16 Pakistani victims from the recent Libya boat tragedy have been returned to Pakistan. Tragically, the incident occurred on February 5, when a vessel transporting migrants capsized off the Libyan coastline, leading to numerous fatalities. The Foreign Office confirmed that among the deceased, 13 were from Parachinar, highlighting the local impact of this disaster.

The bodies arrived at Islamabad Airport through Qatar Airways before being transferred to Peshawar via ambulance services. Subsequently, the remains of the nine victims from Parachinar were airlifted to their native town, where they were laid to rest in their family graveyards following funeral prayers. According to Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed, the four remaining bodies are expected to arrive in Islamabad shortly and will also be flown to Parachinar.

Among the deceased was 20-year-old Abid Hussain, whose brother, Mushahid Hussain, shared his profound grief over the loss. “His death has shattered our home,” he lamented. Another victim, Asif Hussain, had departed after completing his education due to insecurity and lack of employment in Kurram, as recounted by his brother, Saber Hussain. Saber expressed the painful reality, stating, “If I get a chance, I, too, will leave this place for a peaceful life and better employment.”

Mukhtar, the brother of deceased Ashfaq Hussain, also articulated the devastation within the family, noting that Ashfaq had not yet married and sought safer opportunities in Europe. His passing has left a profound sense of loss.

This incident highlights the dire consequences faced by individuals seeking a better life due to insecurity and unemployment in their homeland. The stories of these families reflect the urgent need for addressing the underlying issues contributing to such tragic circumstances.

The tragic boat incident off the Libyan coast has claimed the lives of 16 Pakistani individuals, predominantly from Parachinar. The repatriation of the bodies serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking better opportunities abroad. The personal testimonies from grieving family members underscore the profound sorrow and devastation caused by these losses, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to the insecurity and unemployment driving such desperate journeys.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk