Pakistan’s PM declares day of mourning for citizens who died in Greece migrant boat sinking
- Shehbaz Sharif expressed his grief over the tragedy off the coast of Greece that left more than 500 migrants presumed drowned
- Sharif previously said Pakistan’s embassy in Athens has identified 12 nationals who were rescued. There was no confirmation on how many Pakistanis were on board
Sharif expressed his grief over the tragedy and said Monday would be observed as a day of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-staff.
He previously said that Pakistan’s embassy in Athens has identified 12 nationals who were rescued by the coastguard. There was no official information on how many Pakistanis were on board the vessel, how many survived or how many perished.
Greek authorities have been criticised for their failure to act more quickly. They say the migrants insisted they did not need any help, but non-governmental organisations say they received a number of calls for help. The sinking was one of the worst disasters of its kind this year.
Senior officer Khalid Chauhan said police picked up the suspects amid a crackdown on human traffickers. Police are interrogating them for their alleged roles in luring, trapping and sending locals abroad after extracting huge amounts of money from them.
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People have been offering their support to relatives of those presumed to have been on the boat.
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Raja Sakundar, of Bindian village in Kotli, said his four nephews aged 18 to 36 remain missing.
“We were informed by the media (of the tragedy). When children are not found or die, you can understand what a parent goes through,” he said.
Raja Muhammad Majeed asked the Pakistani government to bring back his nephew, Raja Awais.
“If he is dead, bring back (the) body,” he said. “When we bury him here, his mother, sisters and others can go to his grave and offer prayers. We will be patient.”
