Pakistan PM says human smuggling in decline after crackdown prompted by migrant boat tragedies
Sharif's remarks came in a statement marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed this year under the theme 'Human Trafficking: A Coordinated Crime – End Exploitation.'
The message follows a series of maritime tragedies over the past two years in which scores of Pakistanis have drowned while attempting to reach Europe through irregular sea routes.
These included a shipwreck off Greece in mid-2023, a December 2024 incident near the Greek coast, a January 2025 disaster off Morocco and two separate capsizings off the Libyan coast in early and mid-2025.
'To prevent such incidents and bring traffickers to justice, the federal government formed a special task force for timely intervention,' Sharif said in the statement circulated by the Prime Minister's Office to mark the day.
'It is encouraging that the task force has worked with diligence and strategy to address the root causes, motives and consequences of this grave crime,' he added. 'The FIA and Intelligence Bureau have significantly reduced the activities of human smuggling networks, and complicit officials have also been held accountable.'
The prime minister described human smuggling as a 'transnational crime' that targets vulnerable people in search of livelihoods.
'Criminal networks around the world exploit citizens seeking employment opportunities through human smuggling,' he said.
'In recent years, the tragic deaths of Pakistani migrants who drowned while trying to travel abroad illegally have further exposed the horrific and dangerous face of human smuggling.'
Sharif noted the government was not only targeting smugglers but also educating the public about safe, legal avenues for overseas employment.
He emphasized while the state is working to create job opportunities at home and abroad, risking one's life through illegal routes was both dangerous and a violation of national and international law.
Pakistan actively participates in global platforms to counter trafficking, including the Budapest Process, Bali Process and the STARSOM Project, which focus on regional cooperation across Asia, Africa and the Americas.
'Today is an opportunity to renew our collective resolve,' the prime minister said, 'to ensure that federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, the foreign ministry and intelligence institutions continue to play their part in eradicating this heinous crime.'
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