Marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, describing the crime as a grave violation of human rights and a serious transnational offense that demands coordinated national and international action.In his message, the minister said the government was implementing a strict zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking and illegal transportation of people, with all relevant institutions working in close coordination to dismantle trafficking networks and bring those responsible to justice.

Highlighting progress made over the past year, Naqvi said Pakistan's cooperation with European countries had produced encouraging results in combating human trafficking. He noted that the rate of human trafficking toward Europe had declined by 47 percent within a year, attributing the improvement to enhanced enforcement measures and stronger international collaboration. 

The interior minister said the European Union had commended the Ministry of Interior's initiatives to curb human trafficking, reflecting growing international confidence in Pakistan's efforts to address the challenge. Naqvi stressed that those involved in exploiting innocent lives deserved no leniency and pledged that the government would continue pursuing traffickers with the full force of the law.

He added that modern technology had been employed to strengthen border surveillance and improve immigration systems, thereby making them more effective at preventing illegal cross-border movement.  Emphasizing the importance of global partnerships, the minister said Pakistan had accelerated its efforts to eliminate human trafficking through international cooperation while remaining an active participant in worldwide initiatives against the crime.

He also underscored the need for greater public awareness, describing it as an essential element in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable communities. Reaffirming the country's resolve, Naqvi said Pakistan stood firmly with the international community in the fight against human trafficking and renewed its commitment to building a safer, more secure and dignified society free from exploitation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)