On June 14, 2023, a fishing boat carrying hundreds of migrants sank off the coast of Greece, killing at least 78 people and leaving hundreds more missing. The boat, which was reportedly overloaded and in poor condition, sank in international waters 47 nautical miles (87 kilometers) southwest of Pylos, off the Peloponnese coast.
Rescuers saved 104 passengers from the water, including Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Afghans, and Palestinians. The search for survivors was called off on Thursday, June 15, after three days of searching. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered.
The sinking is the deadliest migrant shipwreck off Greece this year, and one of the deadliest in the Mediterranean Sea in recent years. It comes as the number of migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea has been increasing in recent months.
The Greek government has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the sinking. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has vowed to do everything possible to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The sinking has also drawn attention to the plight of refugees and migrants who are fleeing war and poverty in their home countries. Many of them risk their lives to make the perilous journey to Europe in search of a better life.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called for an urgent review of maritime safety standards in the Mediterranean Sea. The IOM has also urged countries to increase their cooperation to help prevent migrant deaths.
Lack of opportunities, such as the absence of jobs that pay a living wage, access to quality education, and political freedom, can force people to leave their home country illegally. When people do not have the opportunity to improve their lives in their home country, they may feel that they have no choice but to leave, even if it means doing so illegally.
In some cases, people may also be forced to leave illegally because they are fleeing from a natural disaster or other humanitarian crisis. When people are faced with these kinds of challenges, they may feel that they have no other option but to leave their home country in search of safety and a better life.
The consequences of leaving a country illegally can be severe. People who leave illegally may be subject to exploitation, abuse, and discrimination. They may also be at risk of being detained or deported. However, for many people, the risks of leaving illegally are outweighed by the opportunities that they believe they will find in another country.
Here are some additional statistics on migration from Pakistan
- The number of Pakistani migrants has been increasing in recent years. In 2000, the international migrant stock for Pakistan was 4.4 million.
- The majority of Pakistani migrants are young adults. In 2020, 55% of Pakistani migrants were aged 20-39.
- Pakistani migrants are well-educated. In 2020, 25% of Pakistani migrants had a university degree.
- Pakistani migrants send remittances back to Pakistan. In 2020, the total amount of remittances sent by Pakistani migrants was $29 billion.
The migration of people from Pakistan is a complex issue with a number of factors contributing to it. However, the lack of economic and employment opportunities is one of the main reasons why people leave the country.
The Lack of Economic and Employment Opportunities in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country with a large and growing population, but it has a relatively small economy. This has led to a lack of economic and employment opportunities for many Pakistanis.
The unemployment rate in Pakistan is currently around 6.4%, but it is much higher for young people and women. For example, the unemployment rate for young people aged 15-24 is around 12%, and the unemployment rate for women is around 8%.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan. These include:
- A slow-growing economy: Pakistan’s economy has been growing at a relatively slow pace in recent years. This has made it difficult for businesses to create new jobs.
- A large informal sector: The informal sector in Pakistan is very large. This means that many people are working in jobs that are not taxed or regulated. This makes it difficult for the government to track the number of people who are unemployed and to provide them with assistance.
- A lack of skills: Many Pakistanis do not have the skills that are needed for the jobs that are available. This is due to a number of factors, including a poor education system and a lack of investment in vocational training.
- Corruption: Corruption is a major problem in Pakistan. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently and to create new jobs.
The lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan has a number of negative consequences. These include:
- Poverty: Many Pakistanis are living in poverty. This is due to the fact that they do not have enough money to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing.
- Social unrest: The lack of economic opportunities can lead to social unrest. This is because people who are unemployed and poor are more likely to become involved in crime or violence.
- Brain drain: The lack of economic opportunities in Pakistan has led to a brain drain. This means that many talented Pakistanis have left the country to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan. These include:
- Investing in education: The government needs to invest in education so that more Pakistanis have the skills that are needed for the jobs that are available.
- Promoting entrepreneurship: The government needs to promote entrepreneurship so that more people can start their own businesses.
- Fighting corruption: The government needs to fight corruption so that businesses can operate more efficiently and create new jobs.
Addressing the lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan is a complex challenge. However, it is a challenge that must be addressed if the country is to achieve its full potential.
In addition to the above, here are some other things that can be done to address the lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan:
- Promoting small businesses: Small businesses are a major source of employment in Pakistan. The government can promote small businesses by providing them with loans, training, and other assistance.
- Developing the agricultural sector: The agricultural sector is a major employer in Pakistan. The government can develop the agricultural sector by providing farmers with access to better seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation systems.
- Develop the IT Sector: The IT sector is helping to develop new technologies and products that has the potential to transform the Pakistani economy.
- Attracting foreign investment: Foreign investment can create new jobs and boost the economy. The government can attract foreign investment by improving the investment climate and providing incentives for foreign investors.
Addressing the lack of economic and employment opportunities in Pakistan is a long-term challenge. However, by taking the necessary steps, the country can create a more prosperous future for its citizens.