Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the repatriation of 22 of its nationals from Morocco. This follows a delegation's visit to the kingdom to coordinate investigations into the tragic shipwreck off the coast of Dakhla. The efforts also included identifying the deceased and the survivors. The Pakistani embassy in Rabat is spearheading this repatriation process. The Ministry's Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been actively monitoring the situation of the survivors, offering support and maintaining communication with their families. The identification process was conducted in collaboration with relevant departments and Moroccan authorities. Islamabad is now prioritizing the safe return of its citizens. «The welfare of Pakistani nationals abroad remains an important priority of the government, and it will continue to work to provide all possible facilities in this regard», stated a diplomatic spokesperson. They further assured that «further updates will be shared as repatriation efforts progress.» The survivors were part of a larger group of nearly 80 migrants who embarked on a perilous journey from Dakhla in a pirogue, which tragically capsized on January 15. Among these migrants were at least forty Pakistani nationals, including the 22 set for repatriation. The Royal Moroccan Navy managed to rescue 36 individuals, while 50 others were reported dead. In addition to the Moroccan operation, Islamabad is coordinating another repatriation effort for 11 citizens from Mauritania. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, authorities have dismantled an anti-human trafficking ring, resulting in the arrest of several suspects accused of facilitating the illegal passage of nationals to Morocco.
