Experts push for enhanced anti-trafficking measures


IV Report

KARACHI: Stakeholders have called for robust legislative framework, enhanced data collection, and cross-departmental coordination to effectively tackle human trafficking and bonded labor in the province, highlighting the need for an improved reporting system.

They were expressing views at a working group meeting jointly the Sindh Human Right Commission (SHRC) and the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) the other day at a hotel.

SHRC Chairman Iqbal Ahmed Detho stressed the need for provinces to establish their own rules against human trafficking, rather than relying on federal regulations. He informed the meeting that draft rules are currently under review by the law department.

Detho highlighted SHRC's collaboration with the Women Development Department (WDD) to operationalise Dar-ul-Amans (shelter homes) in Jacobabad and Mirpurkhas. However, he noted that Sindh lacks a legal framework for these shelters, and SHRC will draft legislation to regulate them.

SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas shared two trafficking cases, emphasising prosecution challenges. He underscored the need for provinces to develop their own trafficking rules and better reporting mechanisms.

Barrister Rida Tahir discussed domestic violence cases, highlighting issues in FIR processing and investigation. SSP Abdul Raheem Sherazi called for interdepartmental collaboration to establish effective trafficking rules.

Additional Secretary Shabana Kausar Shahani emphasided clear rules and procedures for enforcing trafficking laws. Ali Murad Baladi, Deputy Director of FIA's Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, noted that trafficking primarily involves sexual exploitation and forced labour.

Wali Mohammad Qureshi, Deputy Director of WDD, outlined temporary and long-term accommodation options for trafficking victims. Fatima Saima, Deputy Secretary of Foreigners and Human Rights, stressed the need for multi-sectorial rules.

Lajwanti, Communication Specialist at TIC, described data collection efforts for UN reporting. DSP Zulfiqar Abbasi reported 32 registered cases under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2018.

Fareeda Tahir, SHRC Public Relations Officer, suggested tasking TIC with tracking trafficking and bonded labor cases in Sindh.

 

 


 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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