Over two dozen Pakistanis drowned in Italy migrant shipwreck - PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said over two dozen Pakistanis were believed to be among 59 people who drowned when a boat carrying migrants to Europe crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast.

At least 81 people survived Sunday's accident, with 20 hospitalised including one person in intensive care, Italian authorities said.

The wooden boat, which sailed from Turkey, is said to have carried people from Iran and Afghanistan as well.

"The reports of the drowning of over two dozen Pakistanis in a boat tragedy in Italy are deeply concerning and worrisome," Sharif said in a statement, adding, "I have directed the foreign office to ascertain facts as early as possible and take the nation into confidence."

Foreign ministries in Pakistan and Afghanistan did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Turkey is part of one of the most-used routes for human smugglers to smuggle migrants into Europe, who at times travel by road, walk for m...
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