Muhammad Naeem Butt, a resident of Khuiratta, Pakistan, had dreams of starting a new life in Europe. However, after witnessing the tragic boat incidents that claimed the lives of hundreds of Pakistanis this summer, he decided to abandon his dangerous journey midway. One particular incident that deeply affected him was the sinking of an overloaded fishing trawler off the coast of Greece, in which up to 350 Pakistanis lost their lives, including 24 from his hometown.
Before the tragedy, Butt had already spent weeks in Libya, attempting to reach Europe illegally. However, after the boat disaster, he and several other men from Khuiratta decided to give up on their journey and return home from Libya. Butt expressed that he now realizes the risk he took was not worth it, understanding that life’s value lies in spending quality time with loved ones, not just the pursuit of money.
Many young men like Butt had entrusted their family fortunes to human traffickers in hopes of reaching Europe and sending back remittances to support their families in Pakistan, especially during the economic crisis. Butt’s wife even sold her wedding jewelry to fund his journey.
Butt’s journey was filled with hardships and danger, as he endured months in a makeshift camp in Libya, waiting to board a cargo ship. However, instead, they were crammed into a rickety fishing boat that faced further challenges at sea, including being fired upon and rammed by a Libyan naval vessel. They survived, but only to be imprisoned with minimal food and harsh treatment.
Despite the allure of potential prosperity in Europe and envy among families with relatives abroad, many have come to realize the immense risks involved in such illegal migration. The Mediterranean passage has been declared the most perilous migration route by the International Organisation for Migration, with numerous migrants going missing each year.
The local authorities have attempted crackdowns on smuggling agents, but the journey continues for many, even with valid visas for other countries as a starting point. The situation has prompted calls for support from the European Union to strengthen sea rescues, but attitudes towards migrants in Europe are hardening.
For Butt and others who survived the ordeal, the experience has taught them the true value of family and safety. Butt’s wife firmly believes that they are content living in poverty as long as they are together and will never allow her husband to attempt such a dangerous journey again
