Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered immediate actions to confiscate properties of human traffickers following a tragic boat incident in Greece that claimed many Pakistani lives. He emphasized the need for stronger prosecution, governmental accountability, and public education on safe migration. Enhanced training for skilled professionals is also part of the government’s broader strategy to combat human trafficking.
In a decisive move against human trafficking, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated immediate legal actions to confiscate the properties and assets of all traffickers in Pakistan. This directive follows a tragic incident last month in Greece, where over 80 Pakistanis drowned after a boat capsized, prompting severe scrutiny of local trafficking networks. Following investigations, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested two of its immigration officers and initiated cases against three human smugglers, reflecting a deepening crackdown on these illegal activities.
During a review meeting held by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif commended the FIA for its recent efforts against corrupt officials and reiterated the necessity of imposing strict punitive measures against those who facilitate human trafficking. He underscored the importance of making prosecution processes against traffickers more effective and mandated collaboration with the law ministry to appoint competent attorneys.
Additionally, the Prime Minister directed the Foreign Office to liaise with other nations to expedite the extradition of Pakistanis engaged in human trafficking abroad. He emphasized the need for a public awareness campaign, spearheaded by the ministries of information and interior, to inform citizens about utilizing legal avenues for overseas employment. Furthermore, PM Sharif advocated for enhancing technical training institutions to align with international labor market requirements, along with improving screening procedures at airports for outbound travelers.
Human trafficking remains a grave issue impacting many countries, including Pakistan, where individuals are often misled into perilous migration schemes. The recent tragic boat incident in Greece, in which numerous Pakistani nationals lost their lives, spotlighted the urgency of addressing this criminal enterprise. The Pakistani government, recognizing the role of corrupt officials in facilitating these networks, is intensifying its efforts to arrest and prosecute those responsible, while also seeking to educate the public on safe migration practices and improve the training of professionals for foreign job markets.
In summary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directives aim to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in Pakistan. By enforcing property confiscations, prosecuting corrupt officials, and enhancing public awareness, the government seeks to deter these heinous crimes. Furthermore, improving technical training and legal migration pathways will contribute to providing safer alternatives for citizens seeking employment abroad.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
