THE theft of human organs in Pakistan has been going on for years. Hundreds of cases are reported every year where organs, mostly kidneys, are stolen from poor, helplessindividuals and sold to wealthy `customers`. These people, due to poverty and unemployment, are left in a miserable condition, and have no idea what to do.

Although the laws to curb organ trade exist, they are not being implemented effectively. There is a dire need to take action against this injustice and madness.

Over the years, police have raided many clinics where doctors were known to be stealing human organs from the poor, and selling them for large sums of money.

However, the malpractice has survived.

This heinous crime must be stopped. In numerous cases, organised gangs are working in tandem to keep the practice going.

Corrupt doctors involved in this illegal practice must be brought to justice and punished for their crimes. This terrible situation violates human rights and primarily targets poor, helpless individuals.

In many instances, poor people are even abducted. Some are even held for months while their organs are gradually harvested and sold at exorbitant prices. These doctors amass wealth, but the poor and helpless end up with immense suffering.

The perpetrators ofsuch aheinous crime must be punished so severely that no one ever considers committing such an act again. The government must increase police raids on hospitals and clinics even suspected of involvement in these illegal activities, and bring the corrupt doctors and their accomplices to justice.

As a nation, we must stand united to protect each other, especially those who are exploited due to poverty and unemployment. We must work together toput anend tothisheinous trade.Thegovernment should take immediate and decisive action against these atrocities that are utterly unacceptable in any just society.

Danial Tanvir Islamabad