Islamabad: In a session of the National Assembly, Federal Minister for Law Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the house on the government's efforts to combat human trafficking. His remarks came in response to a calling attention notice highlighting the lack of adequate measures against the crime.
The minister stated that the government is taking comprehensive, urgent measures to address human trafficking. He revealed that in 2024, a total of 3,456 cases of human trafficking were registered, and 1,638 human traffickers were arrested. Additionally, 38 individuals listed in the "Red Book" of wanted traffickers were apprehended, alongside 15 masterminds behind major operations. Assets worth 68.81 million were also frozen during the year.
Minister Tarar informed the assembly that in December 2024 alone, 42 incidents of human trafficking were reported. Furthermore, disciplinary actions were taken against Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers, with 38 officers dismissed in connection with the Greece boat tragedy.
The law minister highlighted legislative reforms, noting that penalties for human trafficking offenses have been increased, and such crimes have now been categorized as non-bailable. Only designated judges will hear these cases moving forward.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing progress in this regard by receiving weekly briefings on the matter. Additionally, the government is preparing a bill to further strengthen the legal framework against human trafficking, expressing optimism that the National Assembly would support it.
