ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a nationwide crackdown on human trafficking networks in Pakistan, taking decisive action to combat this grave issue. The directive came during a meeting with the newly-appointed Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Riffat Mukhtar Raja, and the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Waqaruddin Syed, in Islamabad.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Secretary for Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha, who discussed the pressing need for a unified approach to address the growing threat of human trafficking.
Minister Naqvi tasked the FIA head with developing a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking, emphasizing that those involved in such crimes were endangering innocent lives. "Human traffickers exploit vulnerable people, and this heinous crime must be dealt with sternly," said Naqvi. He called for a coordinated effort between the FIA and other law enforcement agencies to eliminate human trafficking and organized crime from the country.
The interior minister stressed that such networks must be dismantled with an "iron hand," ensuring that those responsible face severe consequences for their illegal activities. He also reiterated the importance of collaboration between various agencies to ensure the effectiveness of the crackdown.
Talal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior, echoed Naqvi's sentiments, asserting that human traffickers should not be shown any leniency. "We must leave no stone unturned in bringing these criminals to justice," he added.
In addition to addressing human trafficking, Naqvi also issued directives to the NCCIA to tackle the growing challenge of cybercrimes, recognizing that cybersecurity is an emerging threat in the digital age. "The NCCIA must strengthen its capacity to combat cybercrime, which is an increasingly serious issue," Naqvi stated. He further instructed the agency to send its officers abroad for specialized training to enhance their expertise and ability to counter cyber threats effectively.
The crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime marks a significant step in Pakistan's efforts to strengthen its security apparatus and protect its citizens from criminal networks. With enhanced coordination and focused efforts, the government aims to create a safer environment for the public, both online and offline.
