Repatriation of Victims from Libya Boat Tragedy: A Community Mourns

The remains of 12 Pakistani victims of the Libya boat tragedy have been repatriated, with nine from Parachinar transported home via helicopter. The tragedy occurred on February 5 when a migrant boat capsized. Families of victims expressed their profound sorrow for the loss of their loved ones, highlighting issues of insecurity and unemployment that motivated these individuals to leave their homes.

PARACHINAR: The bodies of 12 of the 16 Pakistani victims from the recent Libya boat tragedy have been returned to Pakistan. The remains of nine individuals from Parachinar were transported by helicopter to their hometown following the tragic incident, which occurred on February 5 when a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya. The Foreign Office identified 16 victims as Pakistanis, with 13 hailing from Parachinar.

The repatriated bodies arrived at Islamabad Airport via Qatar Airways, from where they were taken to Peshawar by ambulance. Subsequently, the remains of the nine victims from Parachinar were airlifted to their hometown for burial in their ancestral cemeteries after the funeral prayers. Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed confirmed that the remaining four bodies are expected to arrive in Islamabad today and will also be transferred to Parachinar by helicopter.

Among the deceased was 20-year-old Abid Hussain. His brother, Mushahid Hussain, lamented, “His death has shattered our home.” Saber Hussain expressed his grief over the loss of his younger brother, Asif, stating the need to seek better opportunities compelled Asif to leave home. He remarked, “Losing him is painful, but the situation here is such that if I get a chance, I, too, will leave this place for a peaceful life and better employment.”

Mukhtar, brother of the deceased Ashfaq Hussain, shared his sorrow, saying, “Ashfaq’s death has devastated our family. He was not even married yet. Due to insecurity, he set out on the journey to Europe, but now he has left this world forever.”

The Libya boat tragedy has resulted in significant loss for the families of the deceased, particularly in Parachinar, where the majority of victims hailed from. The repatriation of bodies and the grief expressed by relatives highlight the desperate circumstances that led these young men to seek better lives abroad. The community mourns deeply for the loss of its young members who sought safety and opportunity but tragically lost their lives in their pursuit.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk