TWO DAYS SEMINAR ON COUNTER TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN AND WOMEN      

Federal Investigation agency in collaboration with UNICEF, Pakistan organized A two days seminar on Counter Trafficking of Children, Women and Men , at Lahore on 30 June -1 July, 2009. The seminar was attended by 50 officers from FIA, Police , OPF, and Punjab Social Welfare Department. During the seminar the resource persons discussed various aspects of cross border as well as internal human trafficking.

The Director General FIA Mr. Tariq Khosa has focused on upgrading the capacity of FIA officials in combating cross border trafficking and addressing the internal human trafficking.

The Director FIA Punjab Mr. Muhammad Azam Joiya while inaugurating the Seminar noted the significant decline in cross border smuggling of persons due to efficient handling by FIA and others . He appreciated the UNICEF’s assistance in rehabilitation of camel jockeys, affectees of earthquake in 2005, and the displaced women and children and building the capacity of law enforcement agencies

Ms. Michiko Ono, Child Protection Specialist, highlighted UNICEF’s interest in and support being provided to various institutions in counter trafficking in persons, particularly the child trafficking .

This Seminar is the third event in the series of training being organized by the FIA Academy through out the country , coordinated by Mr. Usman Zakria, Commandant and Mr. Arshad Dar, Assistant Director FIA Academy.

All the speakers highlighted different aspects including difference in migration, smuggling and trafficking, identification , protection of victim , interviewing the victims, investigation of cases, prosecution in the courts and role of provincial police on control of internal human trafficking.

The seminar also discussed the process of internal human trafficking in the form of bonded labour, child labour , trafficking of persons for transplant of body organs and of children and women for sexual exploitation. The various ways and means to focus on this critical issue that is affecting Pakistan’s image and standing with international organizations were discussed and recommendations given.

Mr. Zahid Sherazi SSP Investigation Branch Focal Person from Punjab Police, in his Presentation admitted that the responsibility of handling issues of internal trafficking mainly rests with Provincial Police. He added that all measures would be adopted for identification of victims, their protection and the tabulation of relevant data

Mr. Deepak Bajracharya, Chief UNICEF Lahore Field Office lauded the resolve and commitment of FIA Pakistan. He acknowledged the role and coordination by FIA Academy for holding of seminars for mass awareness and capacity building of FIA officers. He assured that UNICEF would continue to provide support to the Government of Pakistan in building its capacity to address human trafficking and treating the victims in line with international Conventions.

The Honorable Special Judge (Central) Lahore, Mr. Abid Hussain Qureshi expressed his views in reference to the trial in the courts. He mentioned the causes of illegal immigration and proposed remedial measures. He urged that law enforcement agencies must come up with substantial evidence against the perpetrators. He, however, appreciated the performance of FIA in control of illegal immigration/trafficking.

In the concluding session, Mr. Muhammad Manzoor Director Anti-Human Trafficking FIA commended the contributions of UNICEF in building the capacity of law enforcement agencies for combating human trafficking. He added that FIA were determined to improve the TIER classification as per the Trafficking in person 2008 Report in the near future