LHC seeks response on Greece boat tragedy investigation

LAHORE:

Justice Asim Hafeez of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the federal government to submit a detailed response by January 22 regarding a petition seeking the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the Greece boat tragedy that claimed numerous Pakistani lives.

The petition, filed by Munir Ahmed through advocate Azhar Siddique, raises critical questions about the incident and calls for measures to prevent human trafficking. It questions the authorities' inaction and demands accountability for the loss of innocent lives.

The petitioner also demanded details on the number of Pakistanis onboard, the credentials of the deceased and survivors, and the progress of investigations into human trafficking agents involved.

Additionally, it called for clarity on whether the federal government plans to compensate the families of the victims.

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the petition contended that the Greece boat tragedy exposed significant lapses in the Pakistani government's response mechanisms. The incident echoes a similar tragedy last year, where over 300 Pakistani nationals lost their lives in another boat sinking off Greece's coast.

The petitioner criticised the government for its slow and inadequate response to such crises, underscoring the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent future occurrences and to hold those responsible accountable.

The court has sought detailed replies from the federal government.