May 14, 2005	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, May 13: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established an anti-trafficking unit to control the menace of human smuggling in the country, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said. Speaking at a function held at FIA headquarters in connection with the launching of the unit, the agency’s website and helpline service, the minister also said special courts would be established for the speedy trials of culprits involved in human smuggling.

In addition, such units would also be set up in the four provinces, the minister said.

As many as 25 officials of the unit are currently attending a two-week course organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the US State Department’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Mr Sherpao said the menace of human trafficking brought a bad name to the country and caused miseries to thousands of families.

“The government is determined to eradicate this menace. A number of steps, especially legislation to enhance punishment for human traffickers, are being taken,” he added.

The US embassy’s deputy chief, Patricia A. Butenis, said human trafficking was a form of modern-day slavery that exploited the most vulnerable members of the society. She said each year an estimated 800,000 men, women and children were trafficked around the world.

The FIA director-general Tariq Pervez gave details about the measures being taken by the FIA to curb human smuggling.

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