logo
Lawmakers call for tougher measures against human trafficking

Lawmakers call for tougher measures against human trafficking

Express Tribune11-02-2025

LAHORE:
In the wake of the tragic deaths of 65 Pakistanis in Libya due to human smuggling, members of the Punjab Assembly have called for an intensified crackdown on traffickers and enhanced district-level monitoring to prevent such incidents.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday, members of the Special Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling, including Uzma Kardar, Adnan Afzal Chattha, Aoun Hameed, Rifat Mahmood Zaidi, Rushda Lodhi and Syed Kausar Abbas, stressed the urgency of dismantling illegal migration networks.
MPA Uzma Kardar, who heads the special parliamentary committee, reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating human smuggling.
"Traffickers lure people with false promises of a better future abroad. Many families sell their assets and pay between Rs4 to Rs5 million to these mafias, hoping to reach destinations like Malaysia, Cambodia, or Europe. Instead, they end up stranded, imprisoned, or worse—losing their lives," she said.Kardar emphasized that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), police, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) were actively working to dismantle these criminal networks. She also announced the establishment of victim support units to assist affected families.
Syed Kausar Abbas, executive director of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), revealed that four major human smuggling cases had been reported in recent weeks. He urged the government to set up Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking Cells in every district and ensure their reports were directly shared with the parliamentary committee.
"We need strict surveillance at the district level to dismantle these smuggling networks before they claim more lives," he said.
MPA Adnan Afzal Chattha described irregular migration as a "tragic industry" that required urgent intervention, particularly in Gujranwala, Gujrat, and surrounding districts—areas known as hotspots for human smuggling.
"The Punjab government has launched technical training programs to offer legal migration opportunities.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'PTI's protest movement is ineffective' says Rana Sanaullah
'PTI's protest movement is ineffective' says Rana Sanaullah

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

'PTI's protest movement is ineffective' says Rana Sanaullah

Listen to article Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Public and Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's protest call won't bear fruit as the party is not in a position to lead any such movement at the moment. Speaking to the media after offering Eid al-Adha prayers in Faislabad, the SAPM said Pakistan is now on the path to economic stability and development, but overcoming existing challenges requires national unity, political consensus, and alignment on an economic agenda, which he called the most urgent need of the time. He said Pakistan is transitioning from economic decline toward economic stability — a dream of the country's founding fathers. He added that thanks to national unity and courageous decisions by the political leadership, Pakistan is once again on a path of development. He revealed that India made an unjustified and arrogant attempt to attack Pakistan last month, but armed forces, with the backing of the people, delivered a strong response and shattered the enemy's arrogance. He said that the ongoing military operation, 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos', being carried out in the name of justice, has achieved historic success, and Pakistan has emerged before the world as a strong nuclear power. Read: FO slams Modi's 'unfounded' allegations on Pahalgam attack He extended congratulations to Field Marshal General Asim Munir and every soldier involved, saying they all deserve recognition for this success. Sanaullah said that under the leadership of PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has stepped onto the path of economic growth. He once again called on PTI and all political parties to come together for the country's betterment and agree on the Charter of Economy, just as the entire nation had shown unity and consensus between May 6 and May 10. He stressed that politics can wait — what's most important is fixing the economy, especially since 240 million Pakistanis are struggling with inflation and economic pressures. He appealed to opposition leaders to accept the Prime Minister's invitation and agree on the formation of a neutral Election Commission so that the next general elections are free and fair, leaving no room for objection. The adviser said that Pakistan has earned respect and recognition at the global level — countries that once distanced themselves are now compelled to listen. He warned that if political leaders continue to prioritise personal or group interests, it will go against national interest. He urged the public to put pressure on political parties to put the nation first. Commenting on PTI's protest movement, Rana Sanaullah said the movement is ineffective because the party lacks both preparation and public support. He further criticised Imran Khan, saying that if the former Prime Minister ties his release to the country's economic progress, it would be an injustice to the nation. Speaking on India's intentions, he responded to a question saying that the Modi government is following the RSS's extremist agenda and is hostile toward both Pakistan and Muslims. Read more: Pakistan launches diplomatic offensive against India He assured that India would not dare attack again, although efforts to destabilise Pakistan through terrorism would likely continue. He added that while the military has fulfilled its duties, it is now the responsibility of the political leadership to unite for national development. He claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is taking the upcoming local government elections seriously and will participate actively under the new Local Government Act. He confirmed that these elections will be held on a party basis. Sanaullah also said that the Punjab government is working on welfare schemes such as the Kisan Card, Mazdoor Card, and Mazoor Card to improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens. He concluded by noting that major national projects, including Pakistan's nuclear tests, were completed during PML-N's tenure, and that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is now stepping forward with a new vision of public service.

Bilawal calls on US lawmakers to back Pakistan's peace efforts
Bilawal calls on US lawmakers to back Pakistan's peace efforts

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Bilawal calls on US lawmakers to back Pakistan's peace efforts

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with met with the representatives of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee headed by the chairman Brian Mast in Washington. Photo: PPP media cell Listen to article In a series of high-level meetings with members of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari cautioned against India's increasingly aggressive posture, warning it could destabilise the entire South Asian region. Leading a multi-party Pakistani delegation to Washington, Bilawal urged American lawmakers to back Pakistan's 'mission of peace' and facilitate meaningful dialogue to prevent the escalation of hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours. During discussions with several key US lawmakers, including Congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi, Ryan Zinke, Maxine Waters, Al Green, Jonathan Jackson, Hank Johnson, Stacey Plaskett, Brian Mast, Brad Sherman, Greggory Meeks, Henry Cuellar and Senator Tom Cotton, he raised concerns over the current regional situation, the Kashmir dispute, and India's recent provocations. Had a frank and substantive exchange with Senator @TomCottonAR on peace and security in South Asia. Appreciated the U.S. role, especially, President @realDonaldTrump, in facilitating the ceasefire understanding as a stepping stone to durable peace. Highlighted India's escalatory… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 5, 2025 A key point of concern was India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Bilawal termed a 'violation of international law.' 'India is setting a dangerous precedent of using water resources as a weapon,' he told the lawmakers. 'The suggestion of shutting off water for 240 million Pakistanis is an existential threat. If India takes this step, it will be tantamount to a declaration of war.' While acknowledging the 'positive role of the US in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India' following the recent military standoff, PPP chairman underscored that the ceasefire was only 'just a beginning.' 'South Asia, India and Pakistan, and indirectly the entire world, are more insecure today than when this crisis began,' he said. 'The threshold of full-scale war between Pakistan and India has never been so low in our history.' He warned of a dangerous precedent being set, where 'any incident of terrorism anywhere in India, whether proven or not, is considered to mean war.' Met with @RepBrianMast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; @RepGregoryMeeks, Ranking Member; @RepHuizenga, Chair of the Subcommittee on South & Central Asia; and @BradSherman for a candid exchange on peace and stability in South Asia. Shared Pakistan's concerns over… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 5, 2025 Underscoring the urgency of the matter, Bilawal informed the US lawmakers that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had mandated the delegation with a 'mission of peace.' 'This mission aims to find solutions to problems through dialogue and diplomacy with India,' he said. 'We urge American lawmakers to continue their efforts to establish peace and stability in South Asia and to support us in this peace mission.' 'If America puts its strength behind peace, it can convince India that solving our problems is the right thing to do,' he said, adding, 'A solution to the Kashmir issue is in the interest of all of us.' The former foreign minister called upon the US to 'facilitate meaningful and constructive dialogue between Pakistan and India' and to 'prevent India from pursuing policies that will destabilise the region and the world.' Also read: South Asia at brink over Kashmir and Indus Water Treaty, Bilawal warns US lawmakers Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman addressed a press conference, describing the recent conflict with India as merely a "trailer" of Pakistan's coordinated response. She stated, "This war was part of India's strategy to keep the region in a Bollywood-style tension," highlighting how Indian media had promoted war sentiments while downplaying the peace narrative. She emphasised that Pakistan's military response was "legal and limited" but warned of the catastrophic consequences any misunderstanding between the two nuclear powers could trigger. "A nuclear conflict in a densely populated and sensitive region like South Asia would be uncontrollable," she cautioned. Sherry also expressed gratitude for the US's intervention, which helped broker the ceasefire, but warned, "If there is no purposeful and principled negotiation process, this trailer could soon turn into a global tragedy." She further stressed that a solution to the Kashmir issue requires a "serious and multilateral negotiation framework," noting India's reluctance to engage in such talks and its refusal of third-party mediation, which she deemed essential for any meaningful process. Read more: India laying ground for 'first nuclear water war', says Bilawal Last month, tensions between Pakistan and India and escalated following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in which 26 tourists were killed. On May 7, India launched airstrikes on Pakistani soil, prompting Pakistan to counter with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. A ceasefire was reached on May 10, facilitated by the United States.

‘Monthly Development Plan' unveiled: Pakistan upbeat about 4.2pc growth
‘Monthly Development Plan' unveiled: Pakistan upbeat about 4.2pc growth

Business Recorder

time3 days ago

  • Business Recorder

‘Monthly Development Plan' unveiled: Pakistan upbeat about 4.2pc growth

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed confidence in achieving a 4.2 percent GDP growth rate in fiscal year 2025-26, projecting a climb to six percent by the fiscal year 2028-29 of the current five-year plan. Speaking to the media at the launch of the Monthly Development Plan on Thursday, he said the government had achieved a significant milestone by preparing a Rs4 trillion national development outlay for the fiscal year 2025–26, in just the second year of its five-year term, a target originally scheduled for 2028–29. According to documents shared by the Planning Ministry, the minister said that the government projected GDP growth targets 4.2 percent for fiscal year 2025-26, 5.1 percent for 2026-27, 5.7 percent for 2027-28 and 6 percent for fiscal year 2028-29. Budget FY26: APCC proposes historic Rs4.083trn outlay The agriculture sector growth targets have been projected 4.5 percent for fiscal year 2025-26, 4.4 percent for 2026-27, 4.6 percent for 2027-28 and 5.1 percent for fiscal year 2028-29. The minister said that the ministry has proposed Rs17.083 trillion National Development Outlay for next five years. He said that a total of 1.1 trillion for fiscal year 2024-25, Rs1.28 billion for 2025-26, Rs1.41 trillion for 2026-27, Rs1.53 trillion for 2027-28 and Rs1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2028-29. About the Industry, the ministry gave projection of growth targets, 4.3 percent for fiscal year 2025-26, 6.2 percent for 2026-27, 6.8 percent for 2027-28 and 6.9 percent for fiscal year 2028-29. About the services sector, the ministry projected four percent growth target for fiscal year 2025-26, five percent for 2026-27, 5.7 percent for 2027-28 and 6.2 percent for fiscal year 2028-29. About the total investment percent of GDP, according to documents, 13.8 percent target has been set for financial year 2025, 14.7 percent for 2026, 15.6 percent for financial year 2027, 16.4 percent for 2028 and 17 percent for fiscal year 2029. About the public sector, 2.9 percent target of total investment of GDP for fiscal year 2025, 3.2 percent for 2026, 3.5 percent for 2027, 3.5 percent for 2028 and 3.7 percent for fiscal year 2029. About the private sector investment, the Ministry proposed 9.1 percent target for fiscal year 2025, 9.8 percent for 2026, 10.4 percent for 2027, 11.1 percent for 2028 and 11.6 percent for fiscal year 2029. About the National Saving percentage of GDP, 14.1 percent investment target of GDP for fiscal year 2025, 14.3 percent for 2026, 15.1 percent for 2027, 15.6 percent for 2028, and 15.8 percent for fiscal year 2029. According to documents, the export would be increased $ 63 billion in five years, inflation would be reduced 6.2 percent and foreign direct investment would be increased 30 percent. The unemployment rate would be reduced to underfive percent and industrial production would be increased 40 percent. The planning minister said, 'We have a broader vision of transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035. If we can reach $600 billion by 2029, adding another $400 billion over the next five to seven years is certainly within reach'. He said that outlining strategic priorities for the coming year, the government's focus would be on 'governance, innovation, and reform' to maintain growth momentum. He said that in a major positive development, the minister highlighted that headline inflation had dropped to 3.5 percent in May 2025, down sharply from 11.8 percent a year earlier. 'Only a few countries in the world have managed to bring double-digit inflation down so drastically in such a short time,' he noted. He said that foreign remittances had also seen a considerable jump, with inflows increasing by $10 billion over the past three years. He said that our remittances have grown from $27 billion to $37 billion, crediting the Pakistani diaspora for their resilience and patriotism. Sharing recent financial successes, the minister said Pakistan had posted a $1.9 billion current account surplus between July and April — a sharp reversal from a $1.3 billion deficit during the same period last year. He also revealed that improved project evaluation by the Planning Commission had saved the national treasury Rs5.4 billion last month. 'Better scrutiny and smarter planning make a big difference,' he said. Turning to national security, the minister mentioned a high-level, single-agenda meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by key national leadership, including representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. 'The agenda was clear, crafting a unified national strategy to counter Indian aggression and provocations,' he said, warning India against weaponising water resources, which he described as a violation of international agreements. 'Pakistan's water rights are not a favour from India, they are protected by international treaties,' he asserted. Ahsan Iqbal said that just as Pakistan's armed forces had shattered India's arrogance on the battlefield, the country would counter India's economic and political hostility with unity, resilience, and adherence to international law. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store