The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a Provincial Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Curbing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Quetta on Thursday

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th May, 2025) The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a Provincial Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Curbing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Quetta on Thursday.

The event aimed to strengthen interdepartmental coordination among stakeholders and raise awareness among local communities about TIP and SOM in Pakistan.

The dialogue was attended by the Provincial Minister for education, Rahila Hameed Durrani, Commissioner Quetta Division, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat; Parliamentary Secretary and MPA Liaqat Lehri, Tribal Leader Sardar Alam Khan Bizenjo, Director FIA Quetta, Ejaz Ahmed; Executive Director SSDO, Syed Kausar Abbas, as well as prominent representatives from the police, Levies, civil society, academia, labor department, child protection units, and religious leadership.

Minister for Education, Rahila Hameed Durrani highlighted the government’s comprehensive national strategy to combat these crimes, stressing that effective implementation requires active involvement of media, civil society, academic institutions, and the general public.

She emphasized the importance of building the capacity of parliamentarians and law enforcement agencies in addressing TIP and SOM. “Laws and policies exist, but we need to educate the public to raise awareness of these issues,” she stated.

MPA Malik Naeem Bazai stressed that while awareness is essential, it is not enough. He called for enhanced law enforcement capacity, improved inter-agency coordination, and the rehabilitation of survivors as crucial steps toward meaningful change.

Commissioner Quetta Division, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling TIP and SOM.

He noted that the district administration, police, and FIA have registered hundreds of cases against traffickers and smugglers, yet the conviction rate remains low. He encouraged SSDO to actively engage with youth and local communities to promote awareness.

MPA Liaqat Lehri called for stronger collaboration among civil society, media, and government bodies to establish proper monitoring and consultation mechanisms. He expressed concern over forced labor and the trafficking of children under 18 in Quetta and other districts, attributing the problem to poverty and a lack of awareness, which often leads parents to unwittingly enable exploitation.

Tribal Leader Sardar Alam Khan Bizenjo commended the active participation of diverse stakeholders including government officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, media representatives, and other key contributors.

Civil society expert, Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem Karim, emphasized the need to educate local communities and youth by incorporating TIP and SOM-related content into educational curricula.

He also stressed the importance of linking business communities and youth to skill development initiatives.

Executive Director SSDO, Syed Kausar Abbas, highlighted Pakistan’s national legal framework and National Action Plan to combat human trafficking.

He urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and acquire skills that enable safe and regular migration.

“International organizations like IOM, the Embassy of Denmark, and others are playing their part, but every individual must contribute to raising awareness and addressing TIP and SOM. We must protect the future of our youth, who are being exploited by illegal agents and mafias through irregular migration,” he said.

The session was moderated by Wania Tahir, District Coordinator SSDO in Quetta.

Published in Urdu Point