ISLAMABAD: A number of Pakistani youths have reportedly fallen victim to a human trafficking scheme in Thailand, where they were abducted after being lured through deceptive online job offers and social media traps.
According to family members and sources familiar with the situation, the victims, mostly between the ages of 20 and 25, were promised lucrative job opportunities in Thailand. Upon arrival, they were abducted by criminal networks and transported across the border into Myanmar, where they were subjected to torture and forced to work under inhumane conditions.
One of the victims managed to contact his family and revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $50,000 for his release. He also shared details of brutal treatment, including beatings and other forms of torture.
The Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed it is aware of the situation and stated that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the abducted citizens. Authorities in Myanmar have been contacted through diplomatic channels, and Pakistan’s embassies in the region are actively pursuing the matter.
Officials believe the victims were targeted through “honey trap” methods, where online contacts, often posing as recruiters or romantic interests, lured the youths with false promises. Once in Thailand, the victims were picked up at airports or other transit points and trafficked across borders.
The families of the victims have appealed to the government for urgent action, urging stronger enforcement against international trafficking networks and increased awareness to protect others from falling prey to similar scams.
Authorities have also advised the public to remain cautious when responding to job offers or unsolicited messages from unknown sources, especially when traveling abroad.
