Pakistan Proposes Amendments to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling

The Pakistani government has introduced amendments to the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018, as the country faces a humanitarian crisis due to rising human trafficking and smuggling incidents, Dawn reported. The proposed changes, pending Senate approval, aim to increase penalties for trafficking and smuggling offenses, with jail terms raised to up to 14 years and fines up to Rs10 million.

Recent boat accidents have highlighted the dangers faced by Pakistanis attempting to reach Europe, prompting urgent government action. Notably, the amendments seek to remove criminal liability for trafficking victims coerced into illegal activities, expanding protections for vulnerable individuals.

Experts warn that simply increasing penalties may not effectively address the issue without structural reforms in law enforcement. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of trafficking and smuggling, alongside better training for law enforcement agencies.