Perilous journeys

The recent tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos, where a migrant boat carrying predominantly Pakistani nationals capsized, is a grim reminder of the desperate measures many take to escape poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities. While 47 Pakistanis were among the survivors, several remain unaccounted for, and the toll of the disaster may yet rise.

Migration is often misunderstood. Some embark on treacherous journeys in pursuit of better opportunities, lured by promises of prosperity in foreign lands. However, others are victims of coercion and deception at the hands of human traffickers. The distinction between voluntary migration and trafficking lies in the presence of force, fraud or exploitation. Both, however, feed into a system where individuals risk their lives in search of a better tomorrow. The Mediterranean Sea has become a perilous route for migrants. Greece has witnessed an alarming increase in migrant boat disasters over the past year. Yet, the root causes driving such migration remain unaddressed. At home, despite FIA's recent crackdown on human trafficking networks, our record on tackling the issue remains weak. Perhaps the PM's call for a comprehensive crackdown may reinvigorate efforts but it must be understood that international cooperation is imperative to stem this tide. Countries at the frontline of migrant crises must ensure humane treatment of rescued individuals while strengthening border security to disrupt trafficking networks. Pakistan, meanwhile, must engage more robustly with transit and destination countries, not only to address trafficking but to create legal, safe migration pathways.

At home, the focus must shift towards addressing the socio-economic conditions that drive such desperation. Education and employment opportunities are critical to providing alternatives to those who see no future within Pakistan's borders. Public awareness programmes about the perils of irregular migration and the deceptive practices of traffickers can empower communities to make informed decisions.