A resolution presented in the Punjab Assembly calling for the establishment of a special committee to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants involving women and children both domestically and internationally.
The resolution, presented by Member of Provincial Assembly Uzma Kardar, Asma Naz , Raheela Khadim Hussain and Shazia Abid, which was unanimously approved by both the government and opposition benches , the resolution highlights the alarming rise in the smuggling of women and children out of the country and the increasing incidence of internal and external Trafficking in persons (TIP) in Punjab.
MPA Uzma Kardar stated in the resolution that various traffickers exploit women and children for purposes such as begging, prostitution, forced labor, organ trafficking and drug trafficking. The federal government is required to submit performance reports annually to the international organizations as per international obligation. To improve this report, all provinces must fulfill their responsibilities.
The assembly has demanded the formation of a special committee in the Punjab Assembly to address this critical issue. This committee should include not only members of the assembly but also officials from various departments and experts who can assess departmental performance and implement targeted measures to protect women and children from this trafficking network. Additionally, the committee aims to enhance Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
Executive Director of Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Syed Kausar Abbas, while praising Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, said that it is the need of time to pay immediate attention to this alarming issue. The issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants is not only a violation of human rights but also damages Pakistan’s global image. He further stressed that this mafia is not only destroying the lives of innocent people but also causing irreparable loss to the country’s image.
All the stake holders need to formulate an effective strategy to curb the activities of traffickers and smugglers of humans. It’s a good sign that parliamentarians are taking interest in this matter and raising their voices to save the lives of the future generations, abbas added.
