President Erdogan expressed deep sadness over the devastating incident and conveyed his solidarity with the Pakistani people in their grief, Turkish Presidency said in a statement on Twitter.

To honor the victims, Pakistan observed a day of mourning on Monday, demonstrating the nation's collective sorrow over the boat tragedy, which claimed the lives of at least 81 irregular immigrants.

While 104 individuals were successfully rescued, the death toll is anticipated to rise as survivors reported that the vessel was carrying over 600 migrants, primarily from Pakistan, Egypt, and Syria.

According to Pakistani media, around 400 Pakistanis were among those aboard the ill-fated boat, embarking on the perilous journey to Europe.

The conversation between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlights the close relations between Türkiye and Pakistan, as well as Turkey's commitment to standing in solidarity with its ally during times of hardship.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life and underscores the need for enhanced efforts to address the underlying issues and ensure the safety and well-being of those undertaking such perilous journeys. (ILKHA)