FIA, Greek police vow to curb human trafficking

MoU signed to battle against migrant smuggling

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Hellenic Police of Greece have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to solidify their commitment to international cooperation in the battle against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

According to statement, the signing of the MoU signifies a pivotal moment in the unwavering effort to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

“The strategic collaboration will enable the exchange of critical information, bolster mutual support in criminal investigations, and promote capacity-building endeavours,” it added.

“This significant accord mirrors the dedication of both entities, united in their resolve to combat transnational crimes and ensure the prosecution of wrongdoers,” the statement continued.

Reports suggested that more than 300 Pakistanis were among those who died after a boat packed with migrants capsized off the coast of Greece in June this year.

The death toll in the disaster could top many hundred as witness accounts suggested that 400 to 750 people packed the fishing boat that sank about 50 miles (80km) from the southern Greek town of Pylos.

The boat is believed to have set off from Tobruk, a region in eastern Libya which is one of the main departure points for smugglers’ boats trying to make their way to Europe.

According to the United Nations’ International Organisation of Migration (IOM), the journey from Libya or Tunisia through the Central Mediterranean and north to Europe is the deadliest migratory route in the world.

Since 2014, more than 21,000 deaths and disappearances have been recorded in the region. However, asylum seekers continue to risk their lives in order to flee misery and conflict in their homelands and the international human traffickers’ racket continues to feed off their desperation.

The 104 survivors being tended to in Greece exhibit severe shock and exhaustion, some are being treated for pneumonia; they sleep for long hours perhaps hoping to forget the nightmare they have miraculously survived. Only 12 of those rescued alive are Pakistanis.

Reportedly, the Pakistani passengers were made to travel below deck -- in locked holds -- mainly the women and children were kept down there for ‘protection’. Perhaps this was the choice of the Pakistani males but it was just as likely not the case.

The ill-fated fishing trawler, in which hundreds of Pakistanis and others seeking asylum drowned, was reportedly repurposed by an Egyptian smuggler network.

After departing Libya, on June 9, it had engine trouble, failing and stalling before it went dead completely.

Read Pakistan raises tragic Greece boat incident at UN

Last month, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for a "credible" probe into the migrant shipwreck off Greece, saying that contrasting accounts by the Greek coastguard and survivors "were extremely concerning".

(With input from agencies)