NA passes bills to curb human trafficking

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday passed three bills in order to prevent human trafficking which has resulted in loss of many lives of Pakistanis in the last few months.

Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar moved three bills, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Emigration (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2025, saying that the legislation was executed in view of increasing incidents of loss of lives of Pakistani illegal migrants in recent past.

He said the government had been working on the bills with consultation of stakeholders for the last two months to amend the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act 2018 and the Emigration Ordinance 1979.

He said that through the amendments, the legislation would envisage increase in punishments, and the trial of culprits would be conducted in sessions court instead of magistrate court with timeline to decide cases. He said that government had launched a crackdown on gangs involved in human trafficking, and many culprits have been arrested.

He said that as per amendments, the punishments for human traffickers have been increased from three to five and seven years and fine would enhance from Rs0.5 million to Rs3 million and Rs5 million. In case of repeat of offence, the imprisonment has been increased from 10 years to 14 years whereas fine also enhanced from Rs1million to Rs10 million along with confiscation of property.

The minister regretted the attitude of opposition members who opposed bills, registered protest, pointed out lack of quorum, and walked out of proceedings during execution of legislation which related to serious issue.

“These bills have been passed for a noble cause with no politics involved as startling disclosures have been made during investigations,” he said. He disclosed that to lure innocent people, they were offered packages that if a family member dies during travel, then other brother would be accommodated free of cost. “This is serious issue on which the prime minister takes two meetings in a week, special committee have been formed, and dozens of culprits are behind bars,” he said.

The National Assembly also passed the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Pakistan Coast Guards (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The opposition member Yousaf Khan pointed out lack of quorum in the course of legislation. However, on counting, the House was found in order. The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill 2025 which was introduced in the House was referred to the standing committee concerned. The law minister said that as per legislation, the civil servants of BPS-17 to BPS-22 would be required to declare their assets.