Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive legal crackdown on human trafficking networks across Pakistan, emphasizing the need to set a strong precedent. During a meeting held in Islamabad to review progress on anti-trafficking measures, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of swift legal action, including the confiscation of properties and assets belonging to traffickers.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need for an effective prosecution process against those involved in human trafficking. He instructed that consultations with the Ministry of Law and Justice should lead to the appointment of the most competent lawyers for prosecution. The Prime Minister also tasked the Foreign Office with reaching out to relevant countries for the extradition of Pakistani nationals involved in trafficking activities abroad.

In a bid to curb the crime further, the Prime Minister called on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Interior to launch an awareness campaign about legal avenues for overseas employment. He advocated for the promotion of technical training institutions to align workforce skills with international market needs. Additionally, he ordered an enhancement of the screening process for individuals traveling abroad.

Addressing the issue of facilitators and abettors, Prime Minister Sharif insisted on strict punitive and disciplinary measures. He acknowledged the initiation of disciplinary actions against government officials facilitating trafficking and praised the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for recent actions taken against involved officials. The Prime Minister was briefed on ongoing legislative efforts and legal actions aimed at eradicating human trafficking in the country.