SC okays fresh probe into FIA role in 2023 Greek boat tragedy

The Supreme Court has permitted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to commence a fresh probe into the role of certain FIA officials in the 2023 Greek migrant boat disaster. However, the court has rejected the FIA's appeal against an earlier ruling by the Federal Service Tribunal (FST), which upheld the order to reinstate the sacked officers.

The tragedy resulted in the death of 155 Pakistani citizens when a boat capsized off the coast of Greece while transporting vulnerable individuals from Libya to Europe. The FIA had previously penalised and dismissed 40 officers implicated in facilitating human smuggling. Deputy Attorney General Raja Shafqat Abbasi argued that the FST's decision was based on technical and procedural mistakes, such as non-compliance and lack of cross-examination opportunities.

He claimed that the dismissed officers had a statutory duty to carefully evaluate the passengers' travel intentions, as Libya was a war-stricken country, not a tourist destination. Abbasi contended that the officials' gross negligence in this matter amounted to direct facilitation of human trafficking, causing serious damage to Pakistan's international image.

The court has directed the FIA to initiate a new inquiry against the implicated officials, provided they ensure the accused receive a fair hearing and an opportunity to present their defense.