ISLAMABAD (AP) — More than 40 Pakistanis were feared to have drowned in the capsizing of a boat off West Africa's Atlantic coastline, which has emerged as a primary point of departure for migrants aiming to reach Europe. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the deaths and stressed the need for strict measures to curb human trafficking.

A boat carrying migrants capsized near Morocco, with over 40 Pakistani nationals reportedly dead. Rescue efforts saved 36 people. The Pakistan embassy in Morocco is coordinating efforts to aid survivors and investigate the tragic incident,

In a tragic incident, a boat carrying 80 migrants attempting to reach Spain capsized near Morocco. Over 40 Pakistanis who were in the boat were reportedly among the dead, PTI reported quoting Pakistani authorities.

Moroccan authorities rescued 36 people from the boat that had left Mauritania on January 2 with 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, on board.

Says several Pakistani survivors are in a camp near port of Dakhla; NGO chief says 44 Pakistanis among those presumed to have drowned.

The tragedy comes just a day after a similar incident near Morocco killed at least 50 people, including several Pakistanis.