CHILD trafficking is the most repellant avatar of human sale. Not new to Pakistan, it reduces minors to easy commodities. In this context, the FIA’s arrest of Dr Mubina Agboatwala, who heads the NGO HOPE, following complaints by US consulate authorities about her alleged role in the “illegal business of trafficking minors” is unsettling news. The complaint, according to the FIR lodged, lists three adoption visa cases, noting that the centres named in the application did not show any record of the infants. Reportedly, the social welfare department said that HOPE was not a Pakistani orphanage and had “no provision in its constitution for adoption of children”. Interestingly, the objection was sent on Sept 15, 2023 to the agency.

Pakistan’s ‘good Samaritans’ are often in the spotlight. Last year, rights activist Sarim Burney was arrested on a “human trafficking complaint” by US officials. There is silence around his case. It is too early to say whether the charges against Dr Agboatwala are correct. But it should be mentioned that the FIA asserted that HOPE had given “abandoned babies” to families of a community abroad. The NGO, according to the FIA, has not presented proof that these babies were discovered near its premises. Such charges require diligence as little victims are regularly traded not just for illegal adoptions, but also for beggary, child labour, organ transplant and to work as drug mules. Although the anti-trafficking laws are in place in the country, the odious practice persists owing to weak implementation. It is the FIA’s responsibility to ensure that these complaints are investigated rigorously and prosecuted transparently, with solid evidence collection. The courts should not show leniency in crimes against minors. To uproot the baby black market, international engagement is mandatory so that global humanitarian regulations are observed. The state must shield its children.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025