Repatriation of boat tragedy victims begins

Bodies of the identified Pakistani victims are being repatriated to the country in phases.

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ISLAMABAD:

The repatriation of bodies of Pakistani victims from the Greek boat tragedy has begun, with only five of the deceased identified so far and approximately 35 still missing.

The bodies of the five identified Pakistani victims are being repatriated to the country in phases.

Sources revealed that the body of Muhammad Abid arrived at Sialkot Airport on Tuesday at 2 pm via flight QR0626. Similarly, the remains of Haji Ahmad reached Sialkot Airport earlier on the same flight.

Another deceased person identified as Rehman Ali's body is scheduled to arrive at Sialkot Airport on January 1, 2025, at 2 pm, also via flight QR0626.

Meanwhile, the bodies of Irfan Arshad and Muhammad Abdullah are expected to reach Lahore Airport on January 2, 2025, at 1:10 pm on flight QR0620. Sources further disclosed that all the bodies are being transported in stages from Athens Airport in Greece to Doha, Qatar, and then onward to various airports in Pakistan.

Upon arrival, the remains are being handed over to the bereaved families, who will take them to their hometowns for burial.

A boat carrying over 84 migrants, including Pakistanis, Egyptians and Sudanese nationals—more than twice its capacity—was attempting to cross international borders to Europe when it capsized in open seas near Greece in the second week of December.

The tragedy claimed the lives of five individuals, while 47 were rescued. However, the whereabouts of approximately 35 Pakistanis remain unknown.