LAHORE: Punjab University Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), in partnership with the Government of the Punjab, CrossEdge, and Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), organized a seminar to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event, held under the theme "Trapped Behind the Scam: Human Trafficking for Forced Criminality and Cyber-enabled Financial Fraud," aimed to raise awareness about emerging forms of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in forced criminality and cyber-enabled financial fraud.

According to University of the Punjab, the seminar brought together a diverse group of attendees, including PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, former Health Minister Punjab Dr. Saeed Elahi, Director ISCS Prof. Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf, and Additional Secretary Home and Focal Person TIP, Government of the Punjab Ayesha Mumtaz. Representatives from various sectors, including government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society, media, legal fraternity, academia, and students, participated in the event. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, in his address, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts involving educational institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.

The seminar featured a session led by Dr. Saeed Elahi, followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment. Ayesha Mumtaz highlighted government initiatives aimed at countering trafficking in persons, while Assistant Director Investigation, AHTC, FIA Syed Zain ul Abideen, discussed the connection between trafficking, forced criminality, and cyber-enabled financial fraud. CEO CrossEdge Barrister Haaris Ramzan spoke on the significance of prevention, protection, and rehabilitation of trafficking victims. Senior Analyst Salman Abid highlighted the role of media in raising public awareness and responsible reporting. Finance Secretary Lahore High Court Bar Association Ali Raza Khokhar addressed trafficking as a human rights issue and the justice system's role in ensuring accountability and victim protection. Prof. Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf emphasized the need to educate young people about new forms of exploitation, particularly those facilitated through digital platforms. The seminar underscored the importance of public awareness, institutional coordination, digital literacy, victim protection, and effective legal mechanisms in addressing forced criminality and cyber-enabled financial exploitation.