ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), has concluded a two-day validation workshop aimed at finalizing a robust national awareness raising framework, a spokesman of the FIA Headquarters, said on Saturday.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the FJA-PAK project which targets the prevention of fraudulent job advertisements and cyber-facilitated human trafficking. Funded by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, the FJA-PAK project addresses the rising tide of irregular migration fueled by deceptive online recruitment. The workshop served as a critical forum for stakeholders to refine strategies that promote safer, legal pathways for Pakistani citizens seeking employment abroad.
The primary objectives of the framework include enhancing the ability of law enforcement to track and disrupt cyber-enabled trafficking, developing targeted campaigns to educate aspiring migrants on identifying “red flags” in job offers, and streamlining information-sharing between agencies to ensure rapid response to reported fraud.
During the sessions, participants conducted a deep dive into the current landscape of awareness efforts, identifying significant gaps in how information is disseminated to vulnerable populations. The workshop culminated in a consensus on a National Plan of Action which will dictate the rollout of a large-scale public safety campaign. “By synchronizing the efforts of regulatory bodies and law enforcement, we are building a digital shield for our citizens against the predators of irregular migration,” noted one workshop representative.
The high-level event saw active participation from a broad spectrum of government and regulatory bodies, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of the threat. Key attendees included officials from FIA, NCCIA, Islamabad Police and National Police Bureau, PTA, Pemra, PKCERT, Ministry of Interior, OEC, Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment Labours and Migration Sectors.
The finalization of this framework marks a significant step forward in Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its workforce from the risks of human trafficking and financial exploitation in the digital age, the spokesman concluded.
