FIA unveils trafficking hotline initiative

Will help swiftly transmit complaints against traffickers to police

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday launched the country's first Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Hotline. This initiative, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and funded by the Australian High Commission, introduces a national referral mechanism and a Management Information System (MIS) to streamline services for victims of human trafficking.

The ceremony, attended by Director General FIA Mohsin Hassan, ADG Immigration, FIA, the country representative of UNODC, the Australian deputy high commissioner, the director of ILO, a US political advisor, and other dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in combating human trafficking.

FIA Additional Director Shireen Malik Sher highlighted key features of the project, emphasizing its uniqueness as the first-ever initiative to ensure a prompt response. The TIP facilitation center will swiftly transmit complaints against traffickers to relevant police stations nationwide with a single click, and trafficking victims will be efficiently referred to the appropriate welfare departments.

Addressing the audience, DG FIA Mohsin Hassan Butt underscored the significance of the National TIP Hotline project, emphasizing its pivotal role in the ongoing fight against trafficking crimes. The Australian deputy high commissioner commended the collaborative efforts of FIA and ILO, acknowledging the launch of this application as a revolutionary step to combat human trafficking in all its forms. This innovative approach aims to provide comprehensive support to victims and streamline the process of reporting and addressing human trafficking cases throughout Pakistan.

In the concluding remarks, DG FIA Mohsin Hassan Butt expressed profound gratitude for the UNODC for extending help to FIA and added the FIA had been a proud partner in a longstanding and fruitful collaboration with UNODC.