President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed sorrow over the deaths of over 40 Pakistanis in the Morocco boat tragedy.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), a boat carrying 80 passengers capsized, leaving over 40 Pakistanis among the deceased, the survivors, including Pakistani nationals, were taken to a camp near Dakhla for assistance and shelter.

A press release from the FO stated that the Pakistani embassy in Rabat promptly informed the ministry about the calamity. The embassy team was sent to Dakhla to provide necessary facilitation to the Pakistani survivors.

"Our embassy in Rabat is working closely with Moroccan authorities to ensure support for the affected nationals," the FO confirmed. The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) was activated to streamline efforts, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar instructed all agencies to prioritise assistance.

The FO shared contact details for immediate support, including the acting ambassador and consular assistant in Rabat. The CMU helpline was also made available at +051-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. Acting Ambassador Rabia Kasuri and Consular Assistant Noman Ali could be reached through WhatsApp on +212 689 52 23 65 and +92 310 2204672, respectively.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his grief over the deaths of over 40 Pakistanis.

The president highlighted the urgent need for effective strategies to combat human trafficking, calling for far-reaching measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Moreover, PM Shehbaz expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and demanded a detailed report from authorities. "This heinous act of human trafficking will be met with strict action."

"Any form of negligence will not be tolerated. We are implementing decisive measures against human trafficking," PM Shehbaz said.