ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to intensify their crackdown on human traffickers and smugglers, the FIA said on Sunday.
The statement came after a meeting of senior FIA officials with the prime minister following the arrest of Usman Jajja, ringleader of a notorious gang involved in human trafficking.
Sharif said the individuals involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking not just cause a loss of precious human lives but also damage the country’s global repute.
“The prime minister called for intensifying operations to bring those involved in human trafficking to justice,” the FIA said in a statement.
Sharif awarded a cash prize Rs1 million to each official who was part of the operation against the Jajja gang involved in the Greece boat accident, in which four Pakistanis died after a migrant boat they were on sank near the Greek island of Crete in Dec. 2024.
The boat tragedies put the spotlight on perilous journeys many migrants undertake, often driven by economic hardship as young individuals seek better financial prospects by attempting dangerous crossings to Europe.
Several Pakistanis attempt the dangerous and illegal journey each year in a bid to escape surging inflation and opt for a better life as the cash-strapped country navigates a tricky path to economic recovery from a macroeconomic crisis.
Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on human smugglers after multiple boat tragedies resulted in its citizens getting killed in recent years. In 2023, an overcrowded vessel carrying over 250 Pakistanis capsized near Greece, in what was one of the deadliest migrant boat disasters in recent history.
Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers
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Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers
- Several Pakistanis attempt the dangerous and illegal journey via sea each year in search of greener pastures abroad
- These journeys have claimed lives of several dozen Pakistanis in recent years, prompting action against human smugglers
Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Navy chief calls for strengthened cooperation between hydrographic offices of both countries
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf is in Malaysia where he held talks with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to enhance operational cooperation, capacity building and responses to maritime security challenges, the Pakistani Navy said on Sunday.
Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close ties ever since they established diplomatic ties in 1957. Both countries have strengthened cooperation in various sectors such as defense, trade, economy, manpower exports and education over the years.
Ashraf was received at the RMN’s headquarters by Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the RMN chief, Pakistan’s Navy said in a statement.
“Discussions focused on aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing operational cooperation, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges,” the statement said.
Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional stability through the Regional Maritime Security Patrols and its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.
He also visited Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Center, calling for strengthened cooperation with Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office in training, data exchange, and professional collaboration.
“The visit reaffirmed the enduring Pakistan-Malaysia naval partnership and commitment to future-oriented maritime cooperation,” Pakistan Navy said.
Pakistan’s army, navy and air force have aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation with their counterparts since last year when Pakistan and India were embroiled in a brief military confrontation.
Both countries pounded each other with missiles, drone strikes, fighter jets and artillery fire for four days until Washington brokered a ceasefire between them on May 10.
