Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated immediate legal actions against human trafficking groups, including asset confiscation. This comes in response to a boat tragedy in Greece, which exposed collusion among Pakistani officials. Efforts include improvements in legal prosecution, public awareness campaigns, and enhancing training institutions for skill development.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered that stringent legal measures be implemented against all human trafficking syndicates operating within Pakistan. This directive includes immediate confiscation of assets and properties belonging to human traffickers. The decision follows a tragic boat capsizing incident in Greece last month that resulted in the deaths of over 80 Pakistanis, prompting investigations into misconduct by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers, leading to several arrests.
During a review meeting regarding anti-human trafficking initiatives, the Prime Minister commended the actions taken against FIA officials allegedly involved in the human smuggling operations. He has urged the appointment of capable lawyers to fortify the prosecution process for those implicated in this heinous crime and directed that relevant foreign entities be contacted for the extradition of Pakistani individuals engaging in human trafficking abroad. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz has emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about legal employment avenues and to enhance the screening processes at airports for outbound travelers.
Human trafficking remains a severe issue in Pakistan, exacerbated by the desperation of citizens seeking better livelihood opportunities abroad. The response from the government underscores an urgent commitment to combat this crime, as highlighted by a recent incident that drew national attention. The review meeting revealed the extent of collusion between some governmental officials and human traffickers, necessitating a coordinated response from various ministries to dismantle these networks.
The Prime Minister has highlighted the significance of promoting technical training institutions to equip individuals with skills that meet international labor demands. This strategic approach aims to minimize illegal migration while enhancing the employability of Pakistani citizens in legitimate overseas jobs. Through these comprehensive measures, the government seeks to restore public trust and ensure substantial penalties for those culpable in the human trafficking trade.
The topic of human trafficking has gained prominence in recent years, particularly following high-profile incidents involving mass casualties among Pakistanis attempting to emigrate unlawfully. Such tragedies, like the recent boat incident in Greece, underscore the dangerous methods employed by traffickers and the urgent need for governmental intervention. The response from the Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signifies a crackdown on these networks and reflects a commitment to addressing law enforcement failures and promoting legal migration.
In summary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decisive directives to combat human trafficking illustrate a proactive approach to a pressing social issue affecting numerous Pakistanis. Measures include confiscating traffickers’ properties, launching public awareness campaigns, and enhancing prosecutorial efforts. By focusing on these areas, the government aims to eradicate human trafficking while fostering legitimate employment opportunities abroad for its citizens.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
