PM expresses concerns over Pakistanis in Italy boat tragedy

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday expressed his deep concerns over the drowning of over two dozen Pakistanis in a boat tragedy in Italy.

Turning to Twitter, the Prime Minister wrote: “I have directed Foreign Office to ascertain the facts as early as possible and take the nation into confidence”.

The reports of the drowning of over two dozen Pakistanis in a boat tragedy in Italy are deeply concerning & worrisome. I have directed Foreign Office to ascertain facts as early as possible & take the nation into confidence.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 27, 2023

Earlier on Sunday, at least 59 people died, including 28 Pakistanis, when a wooden sailing boat carrying migrants to Europe crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast.

The vessel, which sailed from Turkey and was carrying people from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and several other countries, sank in rough seas before dawn near Steccato di Cutro, a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Calabria.

The incident reopened a debate on migration in Europe and Italy, where the recently-elected right-wing government’s tough new laws for migrant rescue charities have drawn criticism from the United Nations and others.