Govt urged to act on human trafficking

Civil society organisations have urged the ministry of interior (MOI) to develop a referral mechanism to curb human trafficking and modern slavery in Pakistan.

A statement issued by Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) says that human trafficking is becoming serious issue in Pakistan, where thousands are transferred abroad, lured by the promise of jobs and business.

“Pakistan has no clear policy on these issues to protect its citizens’ from trafficking or to ensure their rights and counter illegal migration,” claimed the statement.

It mentions that Pakistan faces the risk of being included in a human trafficking blacklist if the country failed to develop a mechanism to address the human trafficking and modern slavery issues.

The statement says that many Pakistanis have been exploited by employment agents, human traffickers, and employers once they are abroad, suffering from bonded labour, child abuse, sexual abuse and various other human rights violations.

“The government does not have the mechanism to protect the victims of trafficking and provide them counselling in their centres.

“The ministry of interior and narcotics control needs to develop a policy to counter the trafficking issues on immediate basis to protect the citizens from traffickers,” says the statement.

The statement also recommends establishing a think tank or advisory group to develop a comprehensive mechanism at national and provincial levels.

“The new government should take this issue seriously ... orientation sessions should be arranged for all the stakeholders,” it states.