THIS is with reference to the letter `Retaining talent is a critical imperative` (Feb 17), which shed light on the issue of brain drain. A related matter is that of human trafficking which targets those who are not talented enough to seek an employment on their own through legal means, but are desperate to explore options abroad.

For decades, human trafficking has been a dark stain on Pakistan`s social fabric. Despite strict laws and wellequipped enforcement agencies, traffickers continue to thrive by exploiting the dreams of innocent citizens in searchofabetterfuture.They prey on the vulnerable and lure them to take dangerous routes to escape the country.

Recent tragedies have been reminders of the devastating human cost of this ongoing crisis.

The journey begins in Pakistan, where smugglers promise individuals a gateway to prosperity. These migrants are transported secretly via containers through land routes tovarious destinations, including Libya. From there, they undertake the deadly sea voyage to Greece, often packed into unsafe boats ill-equipped for such crossings.

Even those who make it to European shores are frequently arrested and thrown intoforeign jails, languishingtherefor years without trial.

The truthis thatthese tragedies are preventable.In the absence ofproper interventions, families continue to risk losing loved ones to a crisis that has become alarmingly routine. Each sinking vessel represents shattered dreams, broken families, and a collective failure to address the root cause of human trafficking.

Pakistan`s response to such incidents has been woefully inadequate. After every tragedy, there is a flurry of activity by individuals and institutions, but these efforts quickly fade, and the cycle resumes.

Weak enforcement, corruption and the complicity of certain officials enabletraffickers to operate with impunity. The promises of reforms often remain hollow, leaving countless lives at risk.

To put an end to this travesty, Pakistan must adopt an uncompromising approach.

A comprehensive crackdown on recruitment agencies and smugglers posing as legitimate operators is essential.

Transparent investigations and the prosecution of those facilitating illegal migration must be prioritised. Equally important is addressing the socioeconomic conditions that push people towards these perilous journeys.

The government must also strengthen international collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks spread over several countries. Enhanced border security, shared intelligence, and agreements with transit countries, like Libya and Greece, can help disrupt these operations.

Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of illegal migration are critical in preventing more people from falling into the traffickers` trap.

Gulab Umid Turbat