On 18th February 2025, the National Assembly of Pakistan has passed three bills to combat the human trafficking and protecting the vulnerable migrants. These bills are the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Emigration (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2025. These amendments include the harsh punishments for the offenders. These bills were introduced to address the increasing number of Pakistani illegal migrant’s deaths. Human traffickers facilitate the illegal entry of a person across an international border by covertly violating the international laws through the use of fake documents. Each year, the human trafficking incidents are reported worldwide. Recently, within a month two illegal human trafficking incidents occurred in the Morocco and Libya. However, the Moroccan and Libyan maritime tragedies highlight the deadly risks of illegal migration, claiming innocent Pakistani lives.
On 15 January 2025, a boat with 80 passengers, including several Pakistanis, capsizes near Morocco port of Dakhla. Migrant rights group Walking Borders said as many as 50 migrants may have drowned in the latest deadly wreck involving people trying to make the crossing from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. Moreover, on 11th February 2025, Pakistan ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that at least 16 Pakistani migrants died after a boat sank off Libya. Human traffickers exploit the most vulnerable persons by giving them false hope of progress and job opportunities abroad, leading them to the dangerous expeditions.
According to the Dawn news report more than 350 Pakistanis lost their lives in 2023 when an overcrowded boat carrying hundreds of migrants sank en route to Greece from Tobruk, Libya. Moreover, Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights highlighted that more than 6,000 Pakistanis attempted illegal journeys to Europe in 2023. However, various reports indicate that up to 40,000 Pakistanis try illegal crossing annually. Each year, thousands of Pakistanis pay huge amount to human traffickers to embark on these perilous journey, with hope to find better economic opportunities abroad. The Mediterranean Sea considered as one of the deadliest migrant routes in the world, often claiming the lives of those seeking refuge or employment in European countries.
The government of Pakistan’s has taken various initiatives to curb the human trafficking and illegal migration including the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) to control the trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking Circles (AHTCs) specialized units to combat human smuggling and trafficking activities. In partnership with the Australian High Commission public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the public about the dangers of human trafficking. Enacted and updated laws to align with international standards, aiming to strengthen the legal framework against human trafficking. Strict action has been taken against the 60 FIA corrupt officers and dismissed form their jobs for facilitating the human traffickers. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) activated its Crisis Management Unit for monitoring and the assistance of victim.
Additionally, the Pakistani government has shared emergency contact numbers for affected families to receive updates. Nationwide public awareness campaigns are unmasking the traffickers and educating citizens on legal migration options. Expanding overseas employment programs to offer safe migration pathways. FIA and police hotlines are established for reporting traffickers and illegal recruitment agents. Initiatives have been taken to provide jobs, reducing desperation for migration. Vigilance at exit points to detect and prevent human smuggling increased. Arrests and legal action against individuals and agencies involved in trafficking. Support programs for returnees to reintegrate into society and find employment.
Although, Pakistan is taking various steps to crack down the networks of human traffickers by implementing the stringent laws and endorsing safe migration policy. Still, Pakistan needs to work on various areas to control the illegal migration by providing the opportunities to youth, so they could not become a prey of human traffickers. Therefore, an inclusive media strategy is required to create awareness among the youth and most vulnerable individuals to prevent further loss of precious lives. Firstly, Pakistan needs to take a severe action against the human trafficking networks by involving the law enforcement agencies. Secondly, there is need to make a list of those people who involve in human trafficking through identification and prosecution and dismantle smuggling networks. Thirdly, educate people about the danger of illegal migration and ensure legal migration channels through overseas employment and skill development initiative to provide secure options. Fourthly, to uplift the socioeconomic condition of marginalized communities through job creation, vocational training and economic reformers to reduce desperation for illegal migration.
In brief, there is no shortcut to success only way to success is only achieved through the commitment, dedication and authenticity. Human smuggling ruins many families, therefore, combating human trafficking requires the strict law enforcement. Governments must address the root causes, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, to prevent exploitation. Global cooperation and policy reforms are crucial to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.
