US report appreciates Pakistan for efforts to tackle human Trafficking
Khalida Mazhar 'Pakistan Times' US Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (US): The Sixth Annual Trafficking in Persons Report released by the State Department has said Pakistan was "making significant efforts" aimed at elimination of the problem of trafficking in persons.

The report was released by Ambassador John R.Miller, Ambassador-at-Large for International Slavery, at a special briefing, at the State Department.

In her remarks, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said action was needed to end modern-day slavery.

"The State Department's efforts to end this evil trade exemplify transformational diplomacy. We work with international partners to secure the freedom of those who are exploited and call on governments to be effective and accountable in prosecuting those who exploit," she added.

This year, the report adds, Pakistan Government established a national plan of action to combat trafficking in persons; approved a special cell within the Ministry of Interior to coordinate its anti- trafficking response; trained police officers, attorneys and judges on anti-trafficking measures; and made progress in investigating trafficking cases.

The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan, with the assistance of IOM (International Organization for Migration), also opened a shelter for trafficking victims.

In respect of prosecution, the report states that the Government of Pakistan “improved its efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases this year.”

“The Government reported investigating 765 cases of trafficking, of which 448 were filed for prosecution.

During the year, the report adds, 92 traffickers were convicted for trafficking offenses.

Cooperation with IOM

It says that Pakistan, in cooperation with IOM, instituted training programs for police officers, attorneys and judges on methods of investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases.

“In addition, the Government introduced a bill in the National Assembly to expedite trafficking cases through the judicial system.”

On the prosecution side, the report adds that this year, the Government “took some noticeable steps” to improve its protection efforts for victims of trafficking.

“Pakistan cooperated with IOM to open a model shelter for trafficking victims in Islamabad providing medical, psychological, and legal care. Since its opening, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) referred 12 trafficking victims to this shelter for protection.”

“For victims not located in Islamabad, the government provided victim assistance in 276 temporary shelters where victims received medical treatment, limited legal representation and vocational training.”

In Lahore, it adds, the Child Protection Welfare Bureau assisted in the repatriation and reintegration of 325 child camel jockeys.

“Pakistan also provided training for investigators on methods of identifying and protecting victims of trafficking”.

In respect of prevention, the report states that the Government of Pakistan made progress in its anti-trafficking prevention initiatives over the year.

“Following the October 2005 earthquake, the government sent federal Anti- Trafficking Units to earthquake-affected areas of the country to prevent the trafficking of orphaned or otherwise vulnerable children.”

“The government also established an identification system used at airports to monitor immigration patterns for signs of trafficking.●