335 Pakistanis Have Died in Sea Crossing Attempts to Europe Over the Past Four Years, FIA Documents Reveal
Islamabad: At least 335 Pakistani nationals have lost their lives in boat disasters while attempting to reach Europe through irregular migration routes over the past four years, according to official documents of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The documents state that seven deadly boat accidents have been reported since June 2023. Despite the heavy loss of life, attempts to reach Europe through illegal sea routes continue, while human trafficking networks are still persuading people to undertake these dangerous journeys.
According to the report, the repeated tragedies have once again highlighted the grave risks associated with the so-called “Dunki” route used by irregular migrants.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in June 2023, when a boat carrying 226 Pakistani nationals capsized while en route to Greece. Of those on board, 207 lost their lives, while only 19 survived.
Another boat carrying 69 Pakistanis met with disaster while heading to Greece in December 2024. The accident claimed 25 lives, while 44 passengers were rescued.
The FIA documents further reveal that a boat carrying 70 Pakistani migrants was involved in an accident near Morocco in January 2025. In February 2025, another boat tragedy off the coast of Libya involved 40 identified Pakistani nationals, resulting in 23 deaths, while 13 survivors were rescued.
The report also notes that four major boat disasters linked to irregular migration from Libya were recorded during 2025 and 2026. These incidents occurred in February, April, and October 2025, and April 2026. A total of 102 Pakistani migrants were affected, with 71 confirmed dead and 30 surviving.
The FIA warned that, despite these repeated tragedies and significant loss of life, illegal migration attempts continue unabated. The agency stressed that human smuggling networks remain active, exploiting the hopes of people seeking better economic opportunities abroad by exposing them to life-threatening sea voyages.
Authorities have reiterated calls for the public to avoid irregular migration routes and instead pursue legal channels for overseas employment and travel, while continuing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks operating within and beyond Pakistan.
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