Department of Sociology, and Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue, International Islamic University Islamabad organized a seminar to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons . The seminar was organized in collaboration with The Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) Islamabad. It brought together academia, practitioners, diplomats, media and civil society to discuss human trafficking in international as well as local context.
The chief guest of the seminar, Professor Dr. Muhammad Munir, Vice President (Administration, Finance, and Planning), International Islamic University, appreciated the efforts of MRC, IRD and the Sociology Department in arranging a seminar on the important global issue of human trafficking and bringing together participants from various segments of the society to raise awareness about the issue.
Ms. Raana Rahim, Country Coordinator for the International Center for Migration Policy Development, highlighted the working of ICMPD and its different programs to prevent migrant smuggling and human trafficking and promote orderly migration. She also spoke about the capacity building of law enforcement officials and technical expertise provided by ICMPD in the last few years.
Ms. Josanda Jinnette, Political Officer from US embassy, Dr.Farhan Navid Yousaf from Department of Sociology, International Islamic University, Mr. Waqar Haider Awan from CHRS and Mr. Waseem Abbasi from The News took part in a panel discussion that covered the issue of human trafficking in a global and local context. The panelists apprised the audience that human trafficking is a global issue being faced by developed and developing countries. They said that due to its hidden and complex nature it is not easy to quantify human trafficking, so there is need that academia, media, law enforcement agencies and the civil society to work in unison to raise awareness and curb the issue. They also suggested policy measures and strategies for Pakistan to make improvements to the system in place to protect the victims of human trafficking so that they can fully re-integrate into the society.
Dr. Hazir Ullah, Chairman Department of Sociology, thanked all the guest speakers and participants of the seminar and appreciated the efforts of MRC, the organizers (faculty members and students), especially Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf, in successfully arranging the seminar on such an important issue.