PM cracks the whip at human traffickers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered a coordinated and holistic approach towards capturing and punishing those involved in human trafficking, as he assigned various tasks to the ministries of law, interior, information and foreign affairs in this regard.
Chairing a review meeting on measures taken against human trafficking in the country, the prime minister appreciated recent actions taken by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against officials involved in this heinous crime.
According to a press release issued by the Media Wing of the Prime Minister's Office, Shehbaz directed for immediate legal action to confiscate the properties and assets of human traffickers to set an example. He said that strict punitive measures should be taken against the facilitators of the traffickers.
During the meeting, Shehbaz received a briefing on the measures taken against human trafficking, progress on the legal actions against facilitators, and matters pertaining to legislation for eradicating human trafficking from the country.
The prime minister said the prosecution process against all individuals involved in this heinous crime should be made more effective, adding that the top lawyers should be engaged for the prosecution after consultation with the law and justice ministry.
He ordered for a more effective screening process at airports for individuals traveling abroad. The prime minister said the Foreign Office should contact relevant countries to expedite the extradition of Pakistanis running human trafficking operations abroad.
The prime minister further directed that the information ministry, in collaboration with the interior ministry, launch an awareness campaign to educate the public about using legal channels for obtaining employment overseas.
He called for promoting technical training institutions which could provide certified professionals to the international market according to modern-day requirements. "Strict legal action should be taken against all human trafficking groups in the country," he emphasised.
The prime minister had ordered for strict action against the human traffickers after dozens of Pakistanis died in a boat capsize incident in Greece last month. Later, 'the FIA arrested two immigration officers following an investigation into the tragedy.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)