Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has commenced the confiscation of property belonging to suspected human traffickers, a measure instigated by directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The initiative responds to recent tragedies involving human trafficking, such as the Greek boat incident and the Libyan coast disaster, which led to numerous deaths among irregular migrants. Properties located in the districts of Sialkot, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, and Gujranwala are targeted, specifically focusing on the Jajja network and other known traffickers.
High-profile arrests have taken place, including the key suspect Imran Shakoor from Gujrat and Zafar Iqbal from Mandi Bahauddin, who is accused of extorting funds under false pretenses of overseas employment. The crackdown is being accelerated with calls for swift prosecution and international cooperation to extradite traffickers operating abroad. This operation is executed under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, which permits the seizure of assets linked to human trafficking.
Pakistan has been strengthening its legal framework against human trafficking through the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018. This law defines trafficking as involving exploitation such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trade, with stringent penalties for offenders and enhanced punishments for those involved in trafficking women and children. The legislation also mandates victim protection, encompassing shelter, medical care, and legal assistance.
Internationally, the legal standards for combating human trafficking are governed by the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. This protocol urges countries to criminalize human trafficking, implement prevention measures, protect victims, and foster international collaboration.
The latest Trafficking in Persons Report 2024 by the US Department of Justice assigns Pakistan a Tier 2 rating, acknowledging improvements in prosecutions and victim services. However, challenges remain, such as persistent bonded labor, weak enforcement, inadequate shelters, and instances of official complicity, which undermine comprehensive anti-trafficking efforts.
For further insights into Pakistan’s ongoing measures against human trafficking, please refer to the full article on JURIST.