Unified, effective approach stressed to combat human trafficking

LAHORE:The govt has developed a National Action Plan to tackle human smuggling and trafficking, however, a unified and robust approach is needed to effectively combat this crisis. CM Maryam Nawaz has introduced several youth and women empowerment programmes to create local job opportunities, reducing the need for risky migration.

Members Special Committee of Punjab Assembly on Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling comprising govt and opposition leaders expressed these views while addressing a joint press conference at a local hotel on Tuesday.

MPAs Uzma Kardar, Adnan Afzal Chattha, Aoun Hameed, Rifat Mahmood Zaidi, Rushda Lodhi and Syed Kausar Abbas attended the press conference which was arranged in the wake of the tragic deaths of Pakistani citizens in Libya due to human smuggling. On the occasion, MPA Uzma Kardar, who also serves as the Convener of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate this crime.

She stated that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), police, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) are working together to curb human smuggling. Dedicated victim support units are also being set up to assist affected families. Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) Syed Kausar Abbas commended the govt for forming a special committee on human smuggling and trafficking. He highlighted that four major human smuggling cases had been reported recently. He emphasised the need for district-level surveillance to combat the menace effectively. He proposed the establishment of Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking Cells in every district, ensuring that reports are promptly shared with the parliamentary committee. MPA Adnan Afzal Chattha described irregular migration as a tragic industry that needs immediate intervention.

“Many victims of human smuggling belong to Gujranwala, Gujrat, and surrounding districts. The government has formed a committee to address this crisis, and a crackdown on human smugglers is underway,” he said. MPA Rushda Lodhi stressed the importance of legal migration and urged people to explore government-backed opportunities. “Tevta is imparting skills training to uneducated youth, ensuring they have viable career paths within Pakistan,” she said.

MPA Rifat Mahmood pointed out that Jhelum is among the most affected districts and called for strict action against human traffickers. “The promotion of small industries can help curb this menace by providing alternative livelihoods,” he suggested. MPA Aoun Hameed Dogar highlighted the impact of human trafficking on Pakistani families, especially in areas where joint family systems are prevalent. “The loss of a family member in such tragedies affects entire households,” he said.

Uzma Kardar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM). The meeting ended with a pledge to intensify efforts against human smuggling and strengthen district-level monitoring mechanisms to prevent further tragedies.