ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment bill aimed at imposing stricter punishments on those involved in human smuggling, declaring traffickers a “stain on the nation’s reputation.”
The bill was presented by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zahri, who emphasized the need for severe penalties to curb the growing menace. Under the amendments, the proposed punishment for human smugglers has been increased from life imprisonment with Rs1 million fine to life imprisonment with a Rs10 million fine.
The bill also recommends seven years of imprisonment for facilitators, travel agents, and individuals providing logistical support. Meanwhile, those offering financial assistance for human smuggling could face up to 15 years in prison.
According to the bill’s text, around 30,000 to 40,000 people attempt to leave the country illegally every year, highlighting the urgency of stronger laws to prevent exploitation and loss of life.