Minors for sale

1 min read

THE curse of human trade has a doubly odious form child trafficking. Pakistan, too, is haunted by this ugly reality: its minors, boys and girls, have often been treated as commodities in this repellant business. It is in this context that the recent arrest of rights activist Sarim Burney on a `human trafficking complaint` by US authorities, and his two-day physical remand to FIA custody for an investigation into `child trafficking by way of illegal adoption` has come as particularly disquieting news. A letter, received by the FIA in March from US authorities, had alleged that Mr Burney`s organisation was `misleading the courts and changing children`s names`. Other reports suggest that records pertaining to children’s parentage may also have been fabricated. Apparently, the violations pertained to adoption documents for more than a dozen children taken in by families in the US.

It is too early to say what may have motivated Mr Burney to allegedly falsify records, or even if the allegation is true.

However, under-age victims are frequently trafficked for illegal adoptions, as well as for beggary, organ transplant, bonded labour and to serve as drug mules. One hopes that this was not the case with these children. The allegations levelled by US authorities give cause for immense concern, and the FIA must ensure that the case is investigated thoroughly and prosecuted transparently. In general, our courts need to take a stronger stance on crimes against minors, while investigators must ensure higher conviction rates through more thorough collection of evidence and diligent prosecution of those involved. Without the efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary, the application of anti-trafficking laws and justice for the exploited will be hard to achieve. Our government must also engage extensively with other countries to help ensure that global humanitarian rules are followed. In times of spiralling poverty, the state must guard the vulnerable. Our children should not be mistreated in any way.

Acknowledgement: (Editorial) Published in Dawn News on 9th June 2024.
Previous Story

NAT Findings Report 2023

Next Story

Focus should be on differently-abled children’s growth

Latest from Blog

Heavy School Bags: A Legal Wake-Up Call For Child Rights

In this video learn about the physical and psychological impact of excessive school bag weight on students and examine whether it violates child protection laws and fundamental rights. From spinal issues and posture problems to anxiety and academic pressure, this episode unpacks the real toll of an overlooked crisis. If…

CHILD RIGHTS & PROTECTION IN PAKISTAN

In this episode, Bushra Iqbal Hussain, founder of MahfoozBachpann discusses critical issues surrounding child rights and protection in Pakistan. From child safety to creating awareness, Bushra shares her journey, challenges, and vision for a safer Pakistan for children. Post Views: 4…

Literary Event Held For Marginalised Children

ISLAMABAD: A storytelling and literary event was held for marginalised children at Mashal Model School in Bari Imam. The students presented dramatic renditions of Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee’s acclaimed short stories, such as ‘From Bad to Good’ and ‘The Honest Taxi Driver’. Despite limited resources, using carts as props, lacking proper…

Underage Driver, Father Indicted For DHA Car Crash

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on 15th July indicted an underage driver and his father on charges of killing six people in a car accident in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA). ATC-II Judge Irfan Haider directed the prosecution to present its witnesses at next hearing as both accused Afnan and his…

Children Among 10 Killed As Rain Lashes Cities Across KP

PESHAWAR: Ten people, including eight children, were killed in separate rain- related incidents across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 14th July. The deaths were reported in Bajaur, Khyber, Malakand, Kohat and Lakki Marwat districts. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed six deaths. According to it, a boundary wall collapsed…
Go toTop