Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the creation of a special task force to address the growing problem of 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.
On Friday, chairing a weekly meeting to review the tragic incident involving illegal immigrants, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing human trafficking perpetrators to justice.
He said “those involved in this heinous crime of human trafficking will be held accountable and arrests of individuals involved in such syndicates will be expedited.”
The Prime Minister urged all relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify efforts to identify human traffickers while expressing deep sadness over the death of Pakistani nationals in the boat tragedy, saying that the incident had deeply saddened the entire nation, including himself.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif was briefed in detail about the groups responsible for the tragedy, the ongoing arrests and the legal actions taken by the 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. Additionally, three key individuals were arrested and 16 people were added to the passport control list.
The meeting also highlighted steps taken to seize vehicles, bank accounts and other assets linked to trafficking syndicates.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has shared updates on the arrests of officials and personnel allegedly involved in the trafficking rings, as well as details of an international investigation team’s report.
Prime Minister Sharif called on authorities to not only track down and dismantle these criminal networks, but also ensure that traffickers face serious sanctions.
Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahd 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 trying to reach Spain from West Africa may have claimed the lives of 50 people, including 44 Pakistanis.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of several Pakistanis in the migrant boat accident and said the embassy was in contact with local authorities.
