Senate passes tough anti-human smuggling amendment bill

Islamabad: The Senate on Monday passed the anti-human smuggling of migrants amendment bill, introducing stricter punishments for those involved in smuggling migrants.

The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, saw the bill presented by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri and approved by the House.

Under the new law, anyone involved in the smuggling of migrants will face life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 15 years, along with a fine of Rs 100 million.

The bill also imposes strict penalties on the creation of fake or illegal documents. Offenders will face up to 15 years in prison, with a minimum of seven years, and a fine of Rs 50 million.

Providing shelter to illegal residents is now punishable by up to 15 years in jail, with a minimum of seven years, and a fine of Rs 50 million. Individuals who facilitate migrant smuggling by providing accommodation, rooms, or other spaces face up to 10 years in prison and fines.

The amendment further targets those providing financial services for smuggling, including accountants or lawyers, who could face up to 10 years in jail and fines. Anyone sheltering smugglers involved in migrant smuggling will also face up to 10 years in prison. Providing vehicles for smuggling migrants can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 50 million.

The bill is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking and strengthen measures against organised migrant smuggling networks.