Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
24 June 2023 | 20:44 CAT

Image: FMT

Muhammad Yasin borrowed almost $8 000 to reach Europe by boat to build a better life for his young children. They are being DNA tested by Pakistan to see if their father is among the scores who died when their boat sank off Greece last week.

Most of the people on board were from Egypt, Syria and Pakistan and paid thousands of dollars to people traffickers like 28-year-old Yasin did. Hundreds more than the 81 confirmed victims are feared to have died.

Fourteen people in Pakistan have been arrested on suspicion of alleged human trafficking. Greece, all from Egypt, have detained nine suspected smugglers.

Professor and Dean CESD, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan, Professor Shahida Wizarat, told Radio Islam International in the past, Pakistan has arrested suspects with no real outcomes following another tragedy.

She said the incident raises many questions. Firstly, why are so many young people interested in leaving the country? Secondly, why do these tragedies keep occurring continuously? Asks Prof Wizarat.

“The economic policies of the government are very pathetic. Instead of creating economic opportunities, the country is losing it with industries closing down due to government policies,” Wizarat said.

There is widespread unemployment. So, for that reason, people run abroad for work.

A massive search and rescue operation continued, but hopes were dwindling of finding more survivors from the boat, which sank in some of the deepest waters of the Mediterranean. Only 104 people are known to have survived.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with host Annisa Essack.