IT is time Pakistan asserted itself more forcefully and played a bigger role in busting international human trafficking networks. As a wide crackdown continues across the country, it has emerged that most of the 44 Pakistanis who perished in the recent Moroccan boat tragedy died at the hands of African smugglers, who reportedly tortured and murdered their ‘cargo’ while ferrying them from Mauritania to Europe. Around half a dozen suspects have reportedly been picked up by the Moroccan navy, who have initiated legal proceedings against them under local laws. However, this should not be enough for Pakistani authorities, who must pursue this case till its logical end and get justice for the murdered souls by making sure these merchants of misery can never ply their evil trade again. Meanwhile, the crackdown on human smugglers within Pakistan must not stop; any individual found involved in the transnational trafficking trade should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The authorities have identified smuggling hotspots. They must now map the networks, identify those involved, disable this trade, and create strict deterrents to ensure such tragedies do not recur.

It is commendable that the prime minister has taken a personal interest in this tragedy. He has also taken it upon himself to head a special task force formed to combat human trafficking syndicates in the country. Given the global outcry against illegal migration, it is extremely important for Pakistan to demonstrate it is taking proactive measures. Its reputation should not be tarnished by this reprehensible practice. For too long, human smugglers have exploited vulnerable and impressionable young folk and extorted millions from their families after promising them tickets to greener pastures. Many of those who have been trapped in their web have paid not only exorbitant sums of money, but also with their lives during the perilous journeys they were forced to take. Meanwhile, upstanding citizens also ended up paying the price, as many foreign countries have implemented much stricter scrutiny for travellers from Pakistan and often deny them visas for no fault of their own. There is, therefore, an urgent need for officials to demonstrate zero tolerance for human trafficking and to take the lead in international investigations wherever possible. The world must be assured that Pakistan is serious about eliminating the problem.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2025