PM Shehbaz forms task force to combat human trafficking

The Premier emphasises the government's commitment to holding human trafficking perpetrators accountable.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday, announced the formation of a special task force to combat human trafficking networks in Pakistan.

The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where several Pakistani citizens lost their lives in an illegal migrant boat tragedy as the task force will be headed by the Prime Minister himself.

Chairing a weekly meeting to review the tragic incident involving illegal immigrants, PM Shehbaz emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators of human trafficking to justice.

He stated that "those involved in this heinous crime of human trafficking will be held accountable, and arrests of individuals involved in such syndicates will be accelerated."

The Prime Minister urged all relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify efforts in identifying human traffickers while expressing his profound sorrow over the deaths of Pakistani nationals in the boat tragedy, saying that the incident had deeply saddened the entire nation, including himself.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz was briefed in detail on the groups responsible for the tragedy, the ongoing arrests, and the legal actions taken by Pakistani authorities.

The meeting revealed that six organized human trafficking groups have been identified, with 12 FIRs (First Information Reports) filed, and 25 suspects named. Furthermore, three key individuals have been arrested, and 16 individuals have been added to the passport control list.

The meeting also highlighted the steps being taken to seize vehicles, bank accounts, and other assets linked to the trafficking syndicates.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) shared updates on the arrests of suspected officials and personnel involved in the trafficking networks, along with details of an international investigation team’s report.

The premier has instructed authorities to not only track down and dismantle these criminal networks but also ensure that the traffickers face severe penalties.

Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials participated in the meeting.

It is pertinent to mention that last week, a tragic incident involving migrants attempting to reach Spain from West Africa may have claimed the lives of up to 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of several Pakistanis in the migrant boat accident and stated that the embassy is in contact with local authorities.