Tragic migrant boat events near Morocco and Libya this year cost the lives of numerous Pakistanis. In response, the Pakistani government has ramped up its battle against human trafficking. Over 400 people involved in human trafficking have been apprehended, and their assets and financial accounts have been blocked, as reported by Ataullah Tarar, the minister of information.
This crackdown is in response to many legislative initiatives that sought to reduce human smuggling. As a result of these reforms, trafficking is now a non-bailable offence, which means that offenders face harsher punishments for their actions.
A public awareness campaign and an anti-human trafficking cell have also been activated by the authorities. Tarar assured the National Assembly that the government will do everything in its power to eradicate this “menace” and that those responsible would suffer harsh punishments.
Many Pakistanis are taking the risky journey to Europe in search of better chances, and this increase in illegal migration is a direct result of their dire economic situation. One of the most notable instances is the June 2023 tragedy near Greece, when a boat carrying more than 250 Pakistanis went down, making it one of the deadliest migrant boat catastrophes in recent memory.
This string of actions demonstrates Pakistan’s will to combat the human trafficking epidemic and forestall similar catastrophes.
