Pakistan collects DNA samples to identify victims of Greek shipwreck

ISLAMABAD (AA): Pakistani authorities have collected the DNA samples of relatives to identify those who lost their lives in the tragic boat accident off the coast of Greece on June 14.

The country observed a mourning day on Monday as hundreds of Pakistanis were reportedly among those who died or went missing in the tragedy.

“A government team visited our area and collected samples of 28 families on Monday,” Raja Zafar Iqbal, a resident of Kotli district of Azad Kashmir reported over the phone.

Iqbal, who lost two nephews in the incident, said his family is in shock.

Authorities have briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the latest development and said they have arrested at least 15 suspected smugglers and illegal travel agents so far.

Sharif was informed that there were around 700 people on board, including Pakistanis, Syrians, and Libyans, according to a statement by the premier’s office.

On Tuesday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also spoke with his Greek counterpart and discussed the identification and repatriation of retrieved bodies.

‘Smugglers got $7,669 per head from victims’

According to Iqbal, his nephews paid Rs22,00,000 ($7,669) each to a local agent who first took them to Karachi, and later to Dubai, Egypt, and then Libya.

“We have identified the agent and local authorities have already arrested him — but we cannot bring my nephews back,” Iqbal said.

“I request the government to please take action and save others,” he added.

According to Iqbal, Gujranwala city in the Punjab province is the main hub of smugglers who send people to Europe illegally after taking huge amounts of money.

Sharif directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete the investigation as soon as possible and to take effective measures to prevent human smuggling.