Punjab’s Resolve: Chief Minister Targets Child Trafficking Menace

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif pledges a relentless crackdown on child trafficking, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy to protect vulnerable children across the province.

On July 30, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the illegal trafficking of children, labeling it a modern form of slavery. In a statement issued on World Day Against Human Trafficking, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan, Sharif outlined her government’s zero-tolerance stance against human trafficking, with a particular focus on safeguarding children. Her resolve underscores Punjab’s broader strategy to combat this grave human rights violation through robust enforcement and public awareness.

Sharif highlighted the urgent need to protect children, describing their safety as her administration’s top priority. “No child must be left behind in the fight against human trafficking,” she stated, emphasizing that Punjab’s children are a “red line” for her government, according to Dawn.com. The Chief Minister urged parents to remain vigilant, cautioning against traffickers who exploit vulnerable families with false promises of overseas opportunities. She referenced recent tragedies, such as the drowning of dozens in a boat bound for Europe, to underscore the dangers of illegal migration routes, as noted in posts on X. Sharif stressed that her government is committed to dismantling trafficking networks through coordinated efforts with law enforcement agencies.

The Punjab government has implemented stringent measures, including enhanced surveillance via Safe City cameras and the newly launched Counter Narcotics Force (CNF), which indirectly supports anti-trafficking efforts by targeting related criminal networks, per Daily Times. Sharif called for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to authorities. “These criminals do not hesitate to exploit innocent lives for profit,” she warned, advocating for legal and safe migration channels, as reported by The Nation. The Punjab Police, under Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, have intensified operations, conducting over 100,000 raids in 2023, which also aid in disrupting trafficking rings.

Sharif’s administration is also investing in preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs for at-risk communities, aligning with Punjab’s vision for a safer, more secure province. Her commitment reflects a determined effort to restore public trust and ensure justice for trafficking victims, particularly children, across Punjab.