Following the devastating shipwreck off the coast of Greece, resulting in the loss of over 80 Pakistani lives and leaving hundreds missing, the federal government of Pakistan has taken a decisive step to amend the Trafficking in Person Act of 2018. The proposed amendment aims to make human smuggling and trafficking non-bailable offences, while also freezing the bank accounts and assets of those involved in these heinous activities. Additionally, a high-level committee has been established to address the issue comprehensively, and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has assured the nation of strict action against human traffickers.
In response to the tragic shipwreck incident off the Greek coast, the federal government of Pakistan has decided to amend the Trafficking in Person Act of 2018. According to sources, the proposed amendment will transform human smuggling and trafficking into non-bailable offences. This significant step aims to strengthen legal measures against individuals engaged in these illegal activities and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
In addition to making human smuggling a non-bailable offence, the amendment will empower authorities to freeze the bank accounts and assets of individuals involved in human trafficking and smuggling. By targeting the financial resources of these criminals, the government aims to disrupt their operations and create a significant deterrent against such heinous acts.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has announced a crackdown on those responsible for human smuggling that resulted in the tragic loss of several Pakistani citizens. Addressing the National Assembly, Sanaullah acknowledged the flaws in the existing laws and highlighted the need for more stringent legislation in dealing with this issue. He revealed the formation of a high-level committee, headed by a senior officer, to address the matter comprehensively and proposed ongoing legislation to address the loopholes.
Minister Sanaullah emphasized that many individuals attempt to migrate to Europe through Egypt, Libya, and the UAE. He revealed that thousands of young people are in contact with these countries to obtain visas, and subsequent illegal migration takes place. To counter this trend, the government is committed to taking comprehensive measures, including stricter legislation and preventive actions, to curb illegal migration and protect Pakistani citizens from falling into the hands of human traffickers.
Highlighting the accountability aspect, Sanaullah expressed concerns about the low conviction rate for those involved in human smuggling and trafficking. He stressed that in the available data from the past five years, hardly anyone has been convicted, with affected families often opting for reconciliation. To address this issue, the interior minister assured the nation that comprehensive recommendations would be presented, and rigorous measures would be taken to bring perpetrators to justice.
Regarding the identification of victims, Sanaullah shared that 82 bodies have been recovered from the sea, while teams from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) are using DNA testing to identify the deceased. Special desks have been established to assist affected families, with 281 families having contacted these desks thus far. The repatriation process for the bodies will commence after the identification process is completed.
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The tragic shipwreck off the Greece coast has spurred the Pakistani government into action, leading to proposed amendments to the Trafficking in Person Act of 2018. By making human smuggling and trafficking non-bailable offences and freezing the assets of those involved, the government aims to combat this grave issue more effectively. The commitment to accountability, identification efforts, and a comprehensive approach reflects the government’s determination to prevent illegal migration and protect its citizens from the clutches of human traffickers. This step demonstrates a strong commitment to combat human smuggling and trafficking and ensure accountability for those involved.
