CHILD trafficking is one of the most alarming forms of human exploitation. The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, criminalises human trafficking and provides measures for prevention, protection and prosecution.

This law specifically aims at combatting the trafficking of women and children through effective national and inter-national cooperation, ensuring strict penalties and rehabilitation mechanisms for victims. However, despite these legal tools, the issue remains severely neglected in certain areas, particularly in Lyari.

Disturbingly, young girls, some as young as 14, are being sent to Oman under the guise of marriage. Once abroad, their whereabouts often become unknown. Due to extreme poverty, many parents, driven by financial desperation, accept money from the traffickers, and unknowingly force their underage daughters into a life of exploitation.

These innocent girls, influenced by societal beliefs that marriage symbolises success, are unaware that they are stepping into a nightmare. Many become victims of sexual exploitation, forced labour or criminal activities, while others face lifelong trauma, depression and social isolation due to language and cultural barriers in foreign lands. This ongoing tragedy reflects deep social injustice and deception, as underprivileged and un-educated families fall prey to trafficking networks disguised as marriage brokers.

These children lose not only their safety and innocence, but their entire sense of identity and belonging. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to take immediate and firm action. Awareness campaigns must be launched to educate parents and communities about the reality behind such so-called marriages.

Law-enforcement agencies should dis-mantle these trafficking gangs, while strict collaboration with international organisations should be established to ensure the protection and repatriation of victims.

The children of Pakistan surely deserve justice, protection and the right to live their childhood free from any kind of exploitation. We have to act now before more young innocent lives are destroyed.

Hani Wahid Baloch
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2025