Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the formation of a special task force to eradicate human trafficking, which he will personally lead. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to address the recent tragic boat incident involving illegal migrants, including Pakistani nationals.
The meeting conducted a detailed review of the boat tragedy, which claimed the lives of several Pakistanis, and discussed measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Officials provided a comprehensive briefing on the arrests of human trafficking networks and outlined the next steps in dismantling these groups.
PM Shehbaz Sharif declared human trafficking a crime against humanity, vowing to bring those involved to justice. “The elements responsible for such heinous acts will face severe consequences,” he emphasized. He directed all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks.
During the briefing, it was revealed that six organized human trafficking groups have been identified so far. Authorities have registered 12 FIRs, identified 25 suspects, and arrested three key individuals. Additionally, 16 suspects’ names have been added to the passport control list. The meeting also reviewed the confiscation of assets, vehicles, and bank accounts linked to these groups.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to breaking the human trafficking networks and ensuring exemplary punishment for those involved in these inhumane practices.
