PESHAWAR: The regional security office of the US consulate organised a seminar here on Wednesday to raise awareness of trafficking in persons (TIP) among communities.

The seminar was attended by 60 people from the legislative, law enforcement and NGO communities. The event focused on how Americans and Pakistanis could work together to stop the crime.

The goal of the seminar titled ‘A Whole Village Approach’ was to create a forum for pursuing legislative improvements, prosecution, and victim protection related to TIP.

The speakers talked about TIP in Peshawar and how law enforcement personnel, legislators and NGOs could collaborate to confront the issue.

“The United States wants to work with Pakistan to overcome trafficking in persons,” said Acting American Consul General Wil Makaneole. “By uniting, we can all form a seamless web to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers.”

For almost 40 years, the United States and Pakistan have worked to improve citizen security and enhance law enforcement capacity across Pakistan.

The Department of State’s Office to monitor and combat trafficking in persons leads the United States’ global engagement against human trafficking.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2018