Islamabad, Nov 6, 2024- In a crucial initiative to counter human trafficking in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), held a high-level meeting with Saqib Sultan Mehmood, Director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Smuggling Wing. The collaboration aims to develop targeted strategies to address Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
The meeting brought together ICT officials to establish concrete goals and action plans to address the urgent issue of human trafficking. Discussions centered on insights from the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report released by the U.S. Department of State.
FIA Director Mehmood stressed the need for decisive actions to prevent Pakistan from being listed on the TIP Watch List, noting that proactive efforts are essential for safeguarding Pakistan’s international standing on human rights.
Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed ICT’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking, including forced begging and bonded labor. He directed the immediate convening of the District Vigilance Committee for ICT to implement recommendations from the TIP report. Additionally, he urged ICT departments to enhance data collection and strengthen coordination with FIA on cases involving sexual exploitation, forced labor, and bonded labor.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of training relevant departments and launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on TIP issues. Officials highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to ensure comprehensive investigation, prosecution, and conviction of traffickers.
Effective data collection on case registrations, prosecutions, convictions, and victim referrals to social services will be integral to ongoing anti-trafficking efforts. The session concluded with a unified commitment to intensify efforts for the prevention of trafficking and the protection of victims, focusing on the key pillars of prosecution, protection, and prevention.
