Human smugglers allegedly torture and murder Pakistani migrants at sea

In January 2025, four Pakistani migrants who drowned in the capsizing of a boat attempting to reach Europe were repatriated to Pakistan for burial. This incident occurred off the coast of West Africa, specifically near the Moroccan port of Dakhla, after the boat left Mauritania with 80 passengers, many of whom were from Pakistan. Reports suggest that the boat capsized during the perilous journey, which is a common route for migrants seeking to enter Europe.The Pakistani Foreign Ministry, alongside the Spain-based migrant rights group Walking Borders, reported that approximately 50 migrants lost their lives in this tragic event, with a significant number being Pakistani nationals. Survivors have recounted harrowing tales of human smugglers who allegedly tortured and forced migrants into the sea during payment disputes. Disturbingly, Mohammad Adnan, a relative of one of the victims, revealed that his family had hired a smuggler for 5 million rupees (around $18,000) and had paid a large sum in advance, but they were told of the tragedy as the rest of the payment remained unsettled. Many families have lost loved ones as they attempt to undertake this dangerous journey in search of a better life, and the repercussions of these incidents have prompted officials in Pakistan to take a stand against human trafficking. Recently, the Pakistani government announced efforts to crack down on human traffickers, including the dismissal of negligent immigration officials. This tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of human trafficking and unsafe migration practices, prompting renewed calls for protective measures and stricter regulations to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.