Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, December 15, AZERTAC

At least five migrants drowned including many Pakistanis after their boats capsized off Greece’s island of Gavdos.

According to reports, so far 39 people, most of them belonging to Pakistan, have been rescued by cargo vessels sailing in the area. According to rescue officials, the death toll may increase as many people are still missing.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit to facilitate Pakistanis in Greece. Ministry in its statement in Islamabad on Sunday said that according to initial reports, 47 Pakistanis are among those rescued following yesterday’s incidents of capsized boats in the south of Crete Island of Greece. One Pakistani is confirmed to be among the dead.

The statement added that at this stage we are unable to confirm the number of deceased or missing Pakistani nationals. The Embassy of Pakistan in Athens is in contact with the Hellenic Coast Guard and with the Coast Guard of Chania, which are directly dealing with the search and rescue operation. The Embassy officials have reached Crete to meet with the rescued Pakistani nationals and provide them with any assistance required.

According to reports the rescued persons have been transferred to the island of Crete, adding that the number of those missing had not yet been confirmed and a search operation is underway to trace them. The tragic accident has resulted in the deaths of many Pakistani nationals with reports suggesting dozens missing.

The Pakistani President and Prime Minister on Sunday have called for urgent measures to combat human trafficking following the tragic deaths of Pakistani nationals in boat capsizing incidents near Greece. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed regret over the loss of precious lives in the boat accident.

The President expressed his deep sorrow and regret over the death of Pakistani immigrants in the accident. He stressed on the need to speed up measures to combat human trafficking. The President said that the people lose their loved ones in the heinous practice. The Pakistani Prime Minister has also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended their condolences to the affected families. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif vowed stern punishment for human traffickers.