The journey to Iraq in search of overseas employment has allegedly turned into a nightmare for around 30 Pakistani youths who were reportedly trafficked to the country and are now being held in jails and detention centres.
Families of the affected youths allege that the detainees have been subjected to severe torture and inhumane treatment.
According to relatives, some families have also received videos purportedly showing Pakistani youths being assaulted, including alleged instances of stripping and electric shocks to sensitive parts of the body.
Through lawyer Ali Changizi, the families have written to the President, Prime Minister and other senior officials, seeking immediate diplomatic intervention, the release of the detainees and guarantees for their safety.
According to Changizi, the youths were allegedly taken to Iraq on promises of employment with foreign companies after being charged millions of rupees before their departure. He further alleged that once in Iraq, an additional $10,000 to $20,000 was demanded for the release of each Pakistani.
The lawyer claimed that those unable to pay were allegedly implicated in false cases and detained in prisons, where they faced further mistreatment.
The families have urged the government to launch an immediate investigation, provide legal and diplomatic assistance to the Pakistanis stranded in Iraq, and take strict action against those allegedly involved in human trafficking.
