By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), convened a Provincial Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Lahore to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM). The event aimed to enhance interdepartmental coordination and raise awareness at the community level regarding TIP and SOM challenges in Pakistan.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including MPA Uzma Kardaar, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking; MPA Adnan Afzal Chathha, Chairperson of the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Program; Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Protection Kanwal Liaqat; MPA Aon Hameed Dogger, Advisor to the Punjab Charities Commission Mudassar Butt; Executive Director SSDO Syed Kausar Abbas; Member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council Barrister Amrat Sheikh; and representatives from the police, civil society, academia, labor and prosecution departments, child protection units, and religious organizations.
MPA Uzma Kardaar emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, underscoring that existing laws and policies must be effectively implemented with the support of civil society, media, academia, and the public. “The government has a zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation. We must build the capacity of parliamentarians and law enforcement agencies while also educating the public,” she said. Kardaar highlighted that local stakeholders must work at the district level to raise awareness and change migration-related behaviors. She added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is actively working to empower youth through local employment opportunities.
Advisor to the Punjab Charities Commission, Mudassar Butt, stressed that awareness alone is insufficient. He called for enhanced law enforcement capabilities, improved inter-agency coordination, and comprehensive rehabilitation services for survivors. He encouraged NGOs like SSDO to collaborate with the Charities Commission to strengthen awareness campaigns and build the capacity of social services.
Parliamentary Secretary Kanwal Liaqat warned against irregular migration, noting that agents involved in illegal schemes often exploit innocent citizens. “Youth seeking to migrate must use legal and regular pathways,” she stated. She urged MPAs and local stakeholders to educate their communities about the dangers of irregular migration.
MPA Adnan Afzal Chathha highlighted the Chief Minister’s focus on skill development as a solution to youth unemployment and unsafe migration. “Our skill development program is opening doors for thousands of young people across Punjab. These internationally certified programs will not only support local employment but also offer legitimate opportunities for skilled migration,” he said.
Executive Director of SSDO, Syed Kausar Abbas, outlined the national legal framework and National Action Plan against TIP and SOM. He urged young people to acquire marketable skills and consider entrepreneurship as a means of securing their futures. “Organizations like IOM and the Embassy of Denmark are providing vital support, but we all must contribute to ending this exploitation. We need a behavior shift in our communities toward safe, legal migration and local opportunities,” he said. Abbas also highlighted the FIA helpline (051-111-345-786) as a resource for citizens to report suspicious migration activities. He acknowledged progress in combating trafficking but emphasized the need for continued, rigorous efforts.
Barrister Amrat Sheikh, Member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council, spoke about the importance of linking youth with skill-building and entrepreneurial opportunities. “The Prime Minister’s Youth Program is a platform for empowerment. Provincial departments must work in coordination to curb human trafficking and smuggling. Youth must be guided toward market-based training and startup development,” she said, adding that stronger connections between the business community and youth could create long-term, sustainable impact.
