Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the first meeting of the task force formed to combat human trafficking on Monday, emphasizing the need for enhanced legal frameworks and institutional cooperation to eradicate the crime completely.
During the meeting, the PM directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to share information collected during investigations with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to facilitate international cooperation against human traffickers.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of strengthening the legal framework and instructed the Interior Ministry to collaborate with the Law Ministry in making existing laws more effective. He further urged the swift implementation of the Federal Prosecution Act 2023 to ensure prompt legal action against traffickers.
He also called for the issuance of red warrants to track and prosecute known human traffickers globally. Stressing the urgency of tackling the issue, he instructed authorities to expedite the process of acquiring necessary manpower to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Discussing recent incidents, PM Shehbaz revealed that 27 smugglers had been identified in connection with the tragic sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Morocco, with five suspects already in custody. He reiterated the need for coordinated efforts between all institutions to combat human trafficking effectively.
“Complete eradication of human trafficking is only possible through the joint efforts and cooperation of all relevant institutions,” he stated.
