Islamabad: The National Assembly has passed three crucial bills aimed at curbing human trafficking and ensuring the protection of vulnerable Pakistani migrants.
The bills approved on Tuesday include:
- Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill 2025
- Emigration (Amendment) Bill 2025
- Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2025
These bills were introduced by Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar.
The law minister highlighted that the rising number of deaths among illegal migrants in recent months has necessitated tougher laws.
Key Amendments:
- Stronger punishments for those involved in human trafficking.
- Sentences increased from 3 to 5 and 7 years, with fines raised from Rs. 0.5 million to Rs. 3-5 million.
- Repeat offenders will now face 14 years in prison instead of 10, with fines increasing from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million.
- Jurisdiction shifted from magistrate courts to session courts to ensure swift trials.
- Confiscation of properties of convicted traffickers.
Government Crackdown:
The minister revealed that the government has launched a crackdown on human trafficking networks, leading to multiple arrests.
He also disclosed that traffickers lure victims with deceitful offers, such as providing free travel for another family member if one dies during migration.
Opposition’s Response and Other Bills:
Azam Nazir Tarar criticized opposition members for walking out and pointing out a lack of quorum during discussions, stating that these bills serve a noble cause and are free from political motives.
Other bills passed include:
- Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill 2024
- Pakistan Coast Guards (Amendment) Bill 2024
Additionally, the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced, which will require BPS-17 to BPS-22 officers to declare their assets.
