"Mom, I'm sending you the money for the treatment": the last call from Waseem, the labourer burned alive in Calabria

In the quiet village of Toru, nestled within the rugged terrain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, the family of Waseem Khan is grappling with an unbearable loss. The 29-year-old Pakistani migrant, who had traveled thousands of miles in search of a better life, was tragically killed on June 1st in Amendolara, a small town in the Italian region of Calabria. His death came just hours after he spoke to his mother via phone, promising her that he would soon send money for her medical treatment. That promise, however, would remain unfulfilled.

The last call between Waseem and his mother took place on May 31st, when he assured her that he would receive his salary the following day and use it to support her care. This conversation marked the final communication between them before his untimely demise. According to reports, Waseem was working in an agricultural enterprise specializing in strawberry production in Italy. He had arrived in the country in September 2025 after initially traveling to Azerbaijan in August 2024. Despite having secured regular employment, he reportedly went unpaid for over two months prior to his death.

On June 1st, Waseem was found among three other Afghan colleagues, all of whom were burned alive inside a vehicle engulfed in flames. The exact circumstances surrounding the fire and the identities of those responsible have yet to be fully disclosed. However, the tragedy has left behind a grieving family in Pakistan, whose pain is compounded by the knowledge that they must keep their mother in the dark about her son's fate.

The emotional burden on the Khan family is immense. Waseem’s brother, Imran Khan, shared with ANSA that their mother, who is seriously ill, remains unaware of her son's death. When condolence calls started coming in, she began to suspect something was wrong. To protect her from further anguish, the family chose to tell her that Waseem had been injured in an accident and was recovering. They plan to wait until his body can return home before revealing the truth, fearing that the news would be too much for her to bear.

Waseem's journey to Italy was driven by hope for a more prosperous future. Many migrants from South Asia travel to Europe seeking work opportunities, often enduring long and perilous journeys. In Italy, where seasonal labor is common, many workers find themselves in precarious situations, especially those without proper documentation or legal status. Reports suggest that Waseem was employed regularly but faced delays in receiving his wages, which likely contributed to the stress he experienced during his time in the country.

The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the conditions faced by migrant workers in Italy, particularly in rural areas where agricultural industries rely heavily on foreign labor. While some employers provide fair compensation and safe working environments, others exploit vulnerable workers, subjecting them to poor living conditions and delayed payments. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of legal protections for undocumented immigrants, making it difficult for them to seek recourse if their rights are violated.

As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are expected to look into the circumstances leading up to the fire and identify those responsible. Meanwhile, the family of Waseem awaits the return of his body so they can give him a proper burial. For now, they continue to shield their mother from the painful reality of her son's death, hoping that the moment of revelation will come when she is strong enough to endure it. The story of Waseem serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers and the need for greater awareness and protection for those who choose to build new lives abroad.