By: Muhammad Bilal
A crime is defined as an act that violates the law and is punishable by the state. But what happens when the state itself becomes the perpetrator? Who holds it accountable? The nature of crime is complex and cannot be fully understood without delving into the sociological perspective of human behavior. In the international system driven by free-market economies, where human exploitation is often normalized, weak societies are pushed into a black hole where money becomes the sole determinant of power and existence. The desire for wealth, when combined with necessity, breeds desperation. The race to become a millionaire and prove to the world that one is the captain of their own ship has profoundly influenced the mindset of the common man in the Global South.
Human trafficking has emerged as a monstrous byproduct of this system, feeding on the lives of innocent people and flourishing under the global economic structure where accountability is often elusive. The human cost of global capitalism manifests in the tragedy of human trafficking. Statistics reveal that over a million people are trafficked annually, primarily from the Global South to the Global North. Understanding this issue is crucial for those in power to devise a proactive strategy to eradicate this menace.
Human trafficking is broadly categorized into three main types: sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and organ trafficking. All share a common root—global capitalism. In sex trafficking, women are often the primary victims. Organ trafficking remains a contentious issue in some states, with debates over whether it qualifies as trafficking. Labor trafficking, however, is the most visible form in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Innocent individuals are deceived with promises of a luxurious life in a developed nation and a high-paying job. Once manipulated, the traffickers arrange fake passports, visas, and travel routes. Families bid farewell to their loved ones with prayers and dreams, unaware of the harsh reality that lies ahead.
The journey often ends in tragedy. Overcrowded boats sink, and the news of drowned migrants becomes a grim reminder of shattered dreams. Nearly ten thousand people have lost their lives attempting to pursue a better future. This is not fiction; it is a harsh reality.
Human trafficking resembles an onion with multiple layers of exploitation. On the surface, there are visible signs of labor deception and legal formalities that provide a false sense of security. Beneath these layers lie deeper, insidious interests involving money, power, fraud, and collusion with authorities. These factors leave individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Combating human trafficking requires a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.
The root cause of trafficking is not that some humans are destined to be exploited. It stems from poverty and the appalling living standards imposed on the common man. No one wants to see politicians’ children flaunting luxury cars when they are unsure of their next meal. This is not merely a competition between elites and the less privileged; it is a matter of wealth distribution. Those with money can easily generate more wealth because they have access to resources, while those left behind become prey to traffickers who sell them dreams of a better life. This is the consequence of global capitalism, where money holds more value than human lives.
In the context of Pakistan, the efforts of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to curb human trafficking deserve recognition. However, it must be acknowledged that black holes can consume even light and time. Therefore, we must shift the narrative from a black hole to that of a monster—a creature that can be fought and defeated with the right strategy.
The first step is to cut off the monster’s food supply. A collaborative intelligence effort from all law enforcement agencies is essential to identify the sources feeding this criminal enterprise. These could include individuals within the system, private agents with enticing advertisements, or influential local figures.
The second step is a proactive strategy. Law enforcement should allow the supply chain to function temporarily while deploying undercover agents to monitor and gather evidence. The third step involves starving the monster by blocking its supply chain. Finally, the traffickers must face strict punishment. Dreaming of a better future is not a crime, but trafficking is.
While this approach may sound like fiction, it is often through storytelling that we best understand reality. Alongside law enforcement efforts, the state must launch rehabilitation programs and declare a societal emergency to educate individuals about the value of building a life within their homeland. Small-scale business initiatives, public-private partnerships for youth entrepreneurship, and basic financial assistance can offer hope.
Let us keep our hopes high and strive to live our dreams—genuine dreams, not borrowed ones.