In a pivotal step towards addressing the pressing issue of human trafficking, SHARP-Pakistan organized a consultative workshop under the "Advocacy for Combating Human Trafficking" (ACT) project in Lahore, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to combatting human trafficking in Pakistan.
The project is funded by Australian Aid through the Australian High Commission in Islamabad.
SHARP-Pakistan thanked the Australian High Commission for helping and facilitating Pakistan in curbing and eradicating human trafficking.
Mr. Muhammad Mudassar Sanghaira, CEO of SHARP-Pakistan also expressed gratitude for the support of Australian Aid.
In his opening remarks, Sanghaira emphasized the shared commitment to combating human trafficking and the importance of collaboration in addressing this grave issue.
"The ACT project is driven by a collective mission to educate and sensitize individuals about the true nature of human trafficking and its dire consequences.
Through targeted awareness campaigns, we aim to equip potential victims with accurate information to make informed migration decisions, evaluate job offers, and seek help if faced with trafficking," remarked Mr. Sanghaira.
Ms. Manam Hanfi, the project coordinator, highlighted the significance of consultative workshops as crucial platforms for engagement, providing an opportunity for diverse perspectives and experiences to come together in the fight against human trafficking.
She gave a detailed presentation on the Smuggling of the Migrants Act and Prevention of Trafficking in People ACT (2018) and opened the floor for discussion and recommendations on the drawbacks in the policy advocacy and implementation of the acts.
Mr. Hamid Latif, Field Manager SHARP Lahore and Ms. Arooj Un Nissa, lawyer at SHARP, facilitated the breakout session which focused on recommendations from the participants on prevention, victim support, Law enforcement & Policy advocacy and technology with reference to Human Trafficking in Pakistan.
The participants also urged that civil society and political parties to incorporate combating human trafficking in their mandate. Their endorsement reflects the broader societal commitment to collaborative efforts in combating human trafficking.