Zaheeruddin Babar
The complex issue of human trafficking is not just a challenge for Pakistan; many countries around the world are struggling to eradicate this heinous trade. In Pakistan, this problem has intensified in recent years. One of the contributing factors could be the rising population and increasing unemployment. Ironically, despite people paying agents huge sums of money and then risking their loved ones’ lives at sea, this trend shows no signs of stopping.
To combat human trafficking, the Pakistan Muslim League-N and its allied government are taking concrete steps. However, achieving results may take some time. A crucial aspect of this issue is that tackling illegal departures from the country is not solely the responsibility of the federal government; provincial governments also have professional obligations that cannot be ignored.
According to foreign media reports, citing FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) officials, a specialized unit has been established within the agency to combat human trafficking. This unit is tasked with scientifically analyzing the trends of illegal migration and providing recommendations for its prevention.
In this regard, FIA Immigration Wing has set up “Second-Line Border Control Offices” at airports in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Multan. These offices are equipped with advanced forensic technology, allowing for on-the-spot verification of suspicious travel documents and taking necessary action when required. Due to the serious and coordinated efforts of the Shehbaz Sharif government, Pakistan’s border management system has now been successfully integrated with Interpol’s international database, enhancing cooperation with foreign countries to curb human trafficking. Interpol’s World Database contains records of stolen or missing passports, fugitives, abducted children, and individuals involved in serious crimes.
At the official level, a detailed analysis is being conducted to understand the increasing number of cases where individuals travel to Africa on visit visas or via illegal routes, intending to reach Europe through human smuggling networks. Undoubtedly, FIA holds a significant responsibility in questioning Pakistanis traveling to Africa about their purpose of travel.
Another key point is that, alongside government agencies, media and other influential institutions must raise greater awareness among young people about the risks of illegal migration. The general public should be informed that in the modern world, no country allows unauthorized entry into its borders.
Some believe that the government’s efforts to curb human trafficking are insufficient, arguing that human smuggling cannot be stopped without addressing corruption within FIA and other law enforcement agencies. The government’s priority should be to create employment opportunities within the country so that young people do not resort to illegal means to migrate abroad.
In Pakistan, human trafficking is not only a serious crime but also a violation of human rights. Traffickers lure innocent citizens with false promises of a better future, smuggling them into other countries through illegal routes and then exploiting them.
According to an advisory issued by the FIA, 15 countries have been identified as destinations where Pakistani citizens are illegally trafficked. The advisory states that the majority of these illegal migrants are between the ages of 15 to 40 years—a conclusion drawn from ongoing investigations into various human trafficking incidents.
FIA guidelines mandate strict passenger profiling, requiring thorough scrutiny of travelers’ purposes, financial status, and documents. Individuals traveling abroad on visit, tourism, religious, and student visas will be under particular surveillance.
Further measures have been implemented, tightening monitoring of passengers from cities like Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Bhimber in Punjab, as past cases have shown that people from these areas have been involved in human smuggling networks.
Some argue that while FIA’s advisory aims to prevent human trafficking, these measures may also affect young people’s right to travel freely. Many individuals wish to travel abroad for educational or professional reasons, but increased scrutiny and strict monitoring could become a barrier for them.
