ISLAMABAD — A group of migrants who managed to survive a tragic boat capsizing off the West African coast earlier this month started to return to Pakistan on Thursday, as reported by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The incident, which involved a vessel attempting to reach the Canary Islands, led to the death of approximately 50 individuals, including 44 Pakistanis. This information was confirmed by both Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Walking Borders, a Spain-based organization dedicated to migrant rights.

Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry, announced that among the 22 Pakistani survivors, some had already made their way back home on two separate flights. However, specific details regarding the total number of returning survivors were not provided, leaving uncertainty about the situation.

Most of the Pakistanis on board hailed from cities within the eastern province of Punjab. Families of those who are presumed dead have been pleading with the government to take action to recover the bodies of their loved ones.

Every year, numerous Pakistanis lose their lives while attempting to travel to Europe via perilous land and sea routes, often relying on the services of human smugglers. In light of increasing fatalities, the Pakistani government has stated that it is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking and has dismissed several immigration officials for their negligence in the matter.