RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior on Wednesday passed ‘The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants, Bill 2018’ unanimously.

The committee met here with Rana Shamim Ahmad Khan in the chair and considered ‘Human Trafficking Bill, 2017.’

The officials of Interior Ministry informed the committee that sanctions can be imposed on Pakistan due to human trafficking. The United States has made three categories in this regard, adding if Pakistan is put in third category, sanctions can be imposed on it.

Dr Arif Alvi raised objections to the proposed legislation asking whether or not it would make the prevalent law ineffective.

The officials of Law Ministry said that human trafficking can be inside or outside the border. Some people go on their own while others are forced to go. This law will be applicable only inside the border. The persons involved in human trafficking would be culprits under this law.

Alvi asked for the section to be applicable under the law. Naeema Kishwar said, “We are going for legislation after being put on a watch-list.”

The officials of Law Ministry said that the people who spend all their money are caught, while those smuggling those people get escape. The affectees would be witness against the smugglers as per the proposed legislation.

The officials of Interior Ministry informed that 30, 000 Pakistanis are illegally residing in Turkey and Turkey has expressed concern in this regard. Over 20,000 Pakistanis have reached Turkey illegally in three months, adding that several Pakistanis are in the country’s custody.

Furthermore, the punishment has been increased from Rs 0.5 to Rs1 million. The committee members asked Alvi to withdraw his objections as they want to give unanimous message by approving the bill unanimously and later the committee passed ‘The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants, Bill 2018’ unanimously.