Quetta – A provincial dialogue on “Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration” was held in Quetta, jointly organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), the Embassy of Denmark, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The event aimed to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and raise awareness within local communities about the growing threat of human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.
Notable participants included Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Durrani, Quetta Division Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, Parliamentary Secretary Liaquat Lehri, tribal leader Sardar Alam Khan Bizenjo, FIA Quetta Director Ejaz Ahmed, SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas, and representatives from the police, Levies, civil society, academia, labor department, child protection units, and religious groups.
Minister Durrani emphasized the government’s comprehensive national strategy against human trafficking, underscoring the importance of collective efforts from media, civil society, educational institutions, and the public to ensure effective implementation.
She highlighted the need to enhance the capacities of parliamentarians and law enforcement agencies and pointed out that while legal frameworks exist, public awareness remains critical.
MLA Malik Naeem Bazai stressed that, alongside awareness, institutional capacity-building, inter-agency coordination, and rehabilitation of victims are essential for meaningful change.
Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat pointed to the significance of institutional coordination, noting that while hundreds of cases have been registered by district administrations, police, and FIA, the conviction rate remains low.
He urged SSDO to intensify its awareness initiatives targeting youth and communities.
Liaquat Lehri, MLA, called for robust partnerships between civil society, media, and government departments to establish effective monitoring and consultation systems.
He raised concerns about child trafficking and bonded labor in Quetta and surrounding districts, identifying poverty and lack of awareness as key root causes.
Tribal elder Sardar Alam Khan Bizenjo appreciated the active participation of government officials, law enforcement, civil society, and media representatives in the session.
Civil society expert Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem Kareem stressed the importance of educating local youth and communities to prevent trafficking, advocating for the integration of this topic into school curricula. He also emphasized linking youth and the business community with skill development programs.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas elaborated on Pakistan’s legal framework and National Action Plan, highlighting the need to direct youth towards legal and skilled migration pathways.
He called on every individual to raise their voice against trafficking, noting that international partners like IOM and the Embassy of Denmark are playing their part, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the people. “We must protect the future of our youth from falling into the hands of traffickers and smugglers,” he said.
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The session was hosted by SSDO’s District Coordinator, Vania Tahir.
