Islamabad, January 6, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed strict legal action against all human trafficking networks in the country, emphasizing the immediate confiscation of their properties and assets to set a strong example.
During a high-level review meeting on anti-human trafficking measures, the prime minister expressed satisfaction with recent actions by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against government officials involved in such activities. He also instructed authorities to ensure severe punitive measures against all facilitators of human trafficking.
According to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing, the meeting covered ongoing actions against human trafficking, legal progress against facilitators, and proposed legislation to curb this crime.
Attendees included Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam, and senior officials from various departments.
The prime minister stressed the importance of enhancing the prosecution process against those involved, urging the appointment of top legal experts for the task, in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice. He also instructed the Foreign Office to expedite the extradition of Pakistanis engaged in human trafficking abroad by coordinating with relevant countries.
Additionally, the premier directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior on launching a public awareness campaign to promote the use of legal channels for overseas employment. He highlighted the need for modern technical training institutions to produce certified professionals for international markets and called for more effective screening procedures at airports for outbound travellers.
