Share this story!            

Govt considering special courts for human traffickers

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering setting up special courts empowered to hand down stricter punishments and speedy trials of human traffickers, official sources told Daily Times.

The Interior Ministry has forwarded a summary, for approval of the federal cabinet, in its May 25 meeting seeking amendments in Sections 2k, 4 and 10 of the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance 2002.

The ministry through these amendments has proposed to enhance the punishment from present seven years to 14 years of imprisonment along with fine. The amendments in the ordinance will differentiate “victims” from “fake agents” and their trial through special courts.

The ministry suggested these amendments in the wake of international monitoring agencies’ dissatisfaction over the efforts of Pakistani law enforcement agencies in curbing human trafficking.

The international agencies have shown deep concern over ineffective prosecution, particularly on the low rate of conviction. The Traffic in Persons Report 2003 has placed Pakistan in the “tier 2 watch list” because of failure to provide evidence of efforts to combat trafficking.

“It is therefore the need of the hour to bring in necessary amendments in the ordinance by addressing concerns of international agencies, especially regarding expeditious trials and successful prosecution of racketeers,” the ministry submitted.

It also said that in light of consultations with stakeholders, it was concluded that the ordinance did not provide adequate provisions to differentiate between fake agents from victims.

Besides covering all possible forms of human trafficking, The Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance 2002 also contains provisions for not only punishment of human traffickers but also for those officials who back them. It also defines terms like slavery, forced labour and camel jockeying.

Home | National

Share this story!