Pakistan has reported a drop in human smuggling activities following a major government crackdown. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country has taken strong action after deadly migrant boat incidents that shocked the nation and the world.
In June 2023, a boat carrying hundreds of migrants sank off the coast of Greece. Many of the people on board were from Pakistan, and over 300 lost their lives. This tragic event pushed the government to act fast. Officials began arresting smugglers and shutting down illegal travel networks across the country.
Prime Minister Sharif said the crackdown has helped reduce the number of people being sent abroad through unsafe and illegal methods. He added that security agencies have caught several people involved in these crimes and will continue to do so. The government has promised that no one involved in human smuggling will be spared.
The Prime Minister also thanked international partners for supporting Pakistan in its efforts. He said human smuggling is not only a national issue but also a global one. Many countries have been working together to stop dangerous journeys that often end in death or long-term suffering for migrants.
In many parts of Pakistan, especially in poor areas, smugglers trick people by promising them jobs and a better life in Europe. These false promises lead families to pay large sums of money. But the journey is often risky, and many migrants never reach their destination safely.
The government has also started awareness programs to educate people about the dangers of illegal migration. These efforts aim to stop young people from trusting smugglers and risking their lives at sea or in the desert.
Pakistan’s crackdown is ongoing. While the government says the numbers are going down, human rights groups warn that more work is needed to offer safe, legal migration options. They also call for better protection and support for victims and their families.
As Pakistan continues its fight against human smuggling, many hope that fewer families will have to suffer the pain of losing loved ones to illegal migration routes.