Action plan unveiled to curb human smuggling

ISLAMABAD—Interior Ministry Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao Monday outlined an action plan to curb human trafficking in a more effective and vigorous way. He presented the plan at a seminar also attended by representatives from the European Union, Canada and the United States as well as high government officials.
The minister said the plan focuses on three “Ps” i.e. preventing human trafficking, protecting and assisting the victims and prosecuting perpetrators. The preventive side includes enactment of amendments to Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance 2002 and framing rules thereto. The offences related to human trafficking under this ordinance have been declared cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable and made punishable with maximum sentence of upto 14-year imprisonment. From time to time awareness campaigns on migrants rights, policies and procedures for promotion of migrants through regular and legal channels at the grass-roots and higher levels would be launched.
Sherpao said there is a general lack of awareness regarding trafficking among the people. The campaigns will help disseminate knowledge about the problem so that families, the community, the law enforcement agencies, lawyers, prosecutors and the media are able to play their role in curbing the menace.—Online