PM Shehbaz Orders Immediate Action Against Human Trafficking in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered stringent legal actions, including property confiscation, against human traffickers following a tragic incident where over 80 Pakistanis drowned in Greece. The FIA has arrested implicated officials and dismissed several officers amid ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Pakistan. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for effective prosecution and public awareness campaigns regarding legal migration channels.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued directives for stringent legal measures against human trafficking groups in Pakistan, emphasizing the immediate confiscation of the properties and assets associated with these criminals. This initiative follows a tragic boat capsizing incident in Greece last month that resulted in the drowning of over 80 Pakistanis, highlighting the dire situation of human smuggling in the country.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) made considerable strides in addressing this issue, leading to the arrest of two FIA immigration officers involved in the tragedy and the registration of cases against three human smugglers, including the implicated officials. Over 30 officers from the agency have faced disciplinary actions and dismissal due to their alleged involvement with human traffickers.
In a review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, he praised the FIA’s recent operations against rogue government officials tied to human trafficking. Prime Minister Sharif stressed the importance of enhancing punitive actions against facilitators of the trafficking trade, urging more effective prosecution processes for all individuals implicated in this grave offense. He recommended that the law ministry consult top lawyers for advocating these legal challenges.
Human trafficking poses a significant challenge in Pakistan, exacerbated by socio-economic conditions that compel individuals to seek better opportunities abroad, sometimes through illegal channels. The recent boat tragedy in Greece has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform and crackdown on human smuggling networks. The government’s response, initiating legal action against involved parties, reflects a commitment to combating this heinous crime.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has demonstrated a proactive stance against human trafficking by ordering immediate legal actions and property confiscations related to this crime. With arrests and disciplinary measures already initiated against FIA officers, the government aims to strengthen legal frameworks and enhance public awareness regarding safe overseas employment avenues, ultimately striving to eradicate this pressing issue.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
