Five young men from Hafizabad drowned after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya, in a tragic incident highlighting the risks of illegal migration routes to Europe.

The victims — identified as Mazhar Hussain, Atif, Haroon, Hamza, and Jafar — had left Pakistan four months ago in pursuit of better job opportunities abroad. They had reportedly sold their savings and livestock to finance the journey.

According to family members, each individual paid between Rs4.5 million and Rs5 million to agents to facilitate travel to Europe via Saudi Arabia and Libya, with Italy as the intended destination.

The boat carrying the migrants overturned in rough waters near Libya, leading to their deaths.

However, one companion, Imran Sher, survived after boarding a separate vessel and has reportedly reached Italy safely.

The deceased belonged to different villages of Hafizabad, including Bagh Kehna, Kot Nizam, Tahli Goraya, Behak Muqeemuddin, and Chohdu Khunian.

News of the tragedy has left families and communities in deep grief, with mourning reported across the affected villages.