Desperate crossings and Pakistani dreams

In the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, where waves conceal countless stories of hope and despair, a fishing boat met its tragic fate, forever etching a grim chapter in the annals of human migration. This ill-fated vessel, carrying over 800 souls, was a clandestine operation masterminded by human traffickers, smuggling individuals seeking solace and opportunity far from their homeland. Among the passengers were approximately 350 men, women, and children from Pakistan, whose dreams of a better life came crashing down as the boat sank en route to Italy near the shores of Greece. The devastating toll revealed that over 200 Pakistani citizens perished in the depths of the unforgiving sea.

Behind this heart-wrenching incident lies a poignant narrative that unveils the driving forces compelling individuals from Pakistan to embark on such a treacherous and illegal journey. What leads people to pay exorbitant sums to human traffickers, risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones in pursuit of an uncertain future?

Pakistan, a country grappling with a myriad of socio-economic challenges, has become a crucible of both hope and despair. Rampant poverty, limited job opportunities, political instability, and persistent security concerns have conspired to create an environment that propels many Pakistanis to seek greener pastures beyond their borders. Italy, with its promise of economic prosperity and a chance for a fresh start, has emerged as an alluring destination for those yearning for a life unburdened by the hardships that plague their homeland.

However, the journey to Italy is anything but straightforward. Faced with arduous visa processes, strict immigration policies, and an increasingly inhospitable global environment for refugees, many desperate Pakistanis are left with little choice but to place their lives in the hands of human traffickers. These individuals, operating in shadowy networks, exploit the desperation of the vulnerable, capitalizing on their dreams while subjecting them to unimaginable dangers.

In an attempt to shed light on the motivations and harrowing ordeals endured by Pakistani migrants, we turn to the survivors of this recent tragedy, as well as those who have previously attempted similar journeys. Their stories offer a glimpse into the complex web of circumstances, aspirations, and desperation that push individuals to stake everything on an illegal passage across treacherous waters.

As we navigate through the wreckage of shattered dreams, we strive to understand the fundamental forces that drive these perilous migrations, weaving together a tapestry of human resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life.

Gul Parvez, a 25-year-old resident of a village near the city of Jhelum, had embarked on his first attempt to pursue a better life in Italy back in 2020. However, his journey was abruptly halted when he was apprehended by Lebanese authorities. After spending six agonizing months in prison, he was eventually deported back to Pakistan. Now, three years later, Gul finds himself planning to take the same perilous path once again, despite being well aware of the dangers that lie ahead.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Gul shared his motivation for attempting the treacherous journey a second time. "I am a graduate of a government university and have been tirelessly seeking employment, but the income is not enough to sustain my daily needs," Gul lamented. "I have tried to make a life here in Pakistan, but opportunities are scarce. Merit is often overshadowed by connections and influence. Talent is undervalued and unrecognized. My father wanted me to secure a government job for a stable future, but despite numerous applications, my lack of connections has left me overlooked," he added, frustration evident in his voice.

Gul recalled the fateful encounter that sparked his interest in the illegal route to Italy. "At a wedding, I met a man who claimed to have connections in facilitating such journeys. He informed me that I could reach Italy with just Rs250,000 (approximately $1,800). The promise of a brighter future, accompanied by better rights and financial prospects, enticed me. Although people warned me of the dangers involved, I had seen others successfully make a new life there," Gul explained, hope flickering in his eyes.

Despite the previous setback, Gul remains undeterred in his pursuit of a better life abroad. Reflecting on his previous attempt, he recounted, "Last time, we traveled from Pakistan by road in a container. However, as we were being transferred onto a boat, we were apprehended. We were detained and interrogated before being eventually sent back to Pakistan," he revealed, the memory still vivid in his mind.

During Gul's absence, his family endured an agonizing period of uncertainty. "We were thrilled when we learned that he was going to Italy. We didn't know the details of his journey, but we sold our gold to gather the required funds. He assured us that the money would be repaid within a few months after his arrival. He left in May 2020, and for the following six months, we received no news from him," Gul's mother, Saleka, shared with a mix of relief and lingering worry. "There were moments when we feared he might have met with an unfortunate incident and lost his life. Our hopes of his safe return began to fade. However, after six long months, he suddenly reappeared," she continued, a mother's love mingled with the scars of uncertainty.

Despite the hardships they endured, Gul's family remains steadfast in their determination to send him on this perilous journey once again, this time by sea. When asked if they were aware of the recent boat sinking incidents that claimed numerous lives, including Pakistanis, they replied with a resolute affirmation. "If we manage to reach there, we will find freedom. Life will be far more liberating than what we experience here in Pakistan," they asserted. Their resolve to take the risk and accept the possibility of months or even years without communication from their son underscores the depth of their desperation for a better future. They are ready to pay Rs400,000 per person and taking his younger brother along this time. He added that he have been saving money since he returned and now will go at any cost.