Mortal peril: Human trafficking remains menace in K-P

Australian High Commission uses advertisements, warns against illegal travel

PESHAWAR: An Afghan refugee family settled in K-P recently mourned the loss of their son who had died while trying to illegally cross the border between Iran and Turkey. The boy could not survive the difficulties of harsh terrain and weather.

Ahmad Jalili, 21, paid Rs200,000 to human traffickers in Rawalpindi to cross into Europe. His parents paid Rs300,000 to bring his body back.

Travelling illegally is a difficult task. Fighting hunger, seeking refuge from shootings by border forces and walking 50 miles a day for over a month are some features of the endeavour. People undertake the responsibility in the hope of a better future.

The Australian High Commission in Islamabad has taken an unusual route to warn Pakistani and Afghan nationals against illegal travel to their country. They have used rickshaw advertisements in Peshawar to spread the message.

Karimullah, a rickshaw driver, said, “Many of us have posted the advertisements for free since we do not want human lives to be lost in illegal travel attempts.”

A Federal Investigation Agency officer requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune, “We have tried to curb the menace from the country. But immediately after being arrested, traffickers pay bribes to high-ranking officials and are released.”

He added 500 human traffickers were released without a trial during the last two years.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2016.