Thousands of migrants, including Pakistanis, risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe. The journey is particularly perilous during winter months when rough seas and harsh weather conditions make the voyage even more treacherous. Many migrants are lured by smugglers who offer discounted prices for the journey, often with devastating consequences.According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), thousands of migrants have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean in recent years.
The IOM attributes the high number of fatalities to the use of unseaworthy vessels, overcrowding, and the lack of safety equipment. Smugglers often prioritize profits over human lives, putting migrants at risk of drowning, exposure, and other hazards.The Libyan coast has become a key departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The country’s instability and lack of effective governance have created an environment conducive to smuggling operations. Despite efforts by authorities to crack down on smuggling networks, the flow of migrants continues, driven by economic necessity, conflict, and persecution.