Connect with us

World News

How Pakistan, China pushed back on probe into bride trafficking via CPEC

Published

on

How Pakistan, China pushed back on probe into bride trafficking via CPEC

Pakistan’s federal investigation agency arrested and charged 52 Chinese traffickers in 2019 but half of them were soon acquitted amid push back from Pakistani and Chinese governments. No reports on the bride trafficking from Pakistan and China have emerged since the investigators halted the probe after coming under pressure from the Pakistani government, according to a US-based think tank.

In 2019, several media reports highlighted the rampant bride trafficking through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), resulting from fraudulent marriages between Pakistani women and girls and Chinese men. A report by Brookings Foreign Policy has again put the spotlight on the cases of bride trafficking and the living conditions of the victims who were lured with payments to families and promises of a good life in China. But once the brides reached China, they had to go through forced pregnancy, forced prostitution and extremely difficult living conditions.

After international media raised the issue in 2019, Pakistan’s federal investigation agency arrested and charged 52 traffickers, all of them Chinese. However, the issue was soon brushed under the carpet and more than half of the accused were acquitted by late 2019. The report says that “others were all given bail and flown out of Pakistan, investigators were pressured by Pakistani authorities to let the cases slide, and journalists were asked to curtail their reporting on the issue.”

The exceedingly close relationship between the two countries and the lopsided power dynamics, heavily inclined towards China, prompted the Pakistan government to push back on the investigation. In December 2019, Associated Press reported that the probe had come to a grinding halt as investigators came under pressure from government officials who feared hurting ties to Beijing, Islamabad’s all-weather ally.

Advertisement

China’s ambassador to Pakistan even went on local television to deny that any prostitution was occurring connected to the cases reported by AP.

“What is most notable in the matter of bride trafficking along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not that it was happening…but the attempt to brush it under the rug after shining a clear light on it, especially by Pakistan, a country whose citizens were the victims,” the author, Madiha Fazal, wrote.

The author noted that no cases of bride trafficking from Pakistan to China were reported after December 2019. That period coincided with the onset of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic which led to the closing of international borders.

This is not the first time that Pakistan has compromised on human rights violations to maintain strong ties with China. Islamabad’s deafening silence on the gross abuse of human rights of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region has been frequently highlighted by India on global forums.

Advertisement

The US state department, in its 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report, has documented the Chinese government’s “policy or pattern” of widespread forced labour. The report suggested that China does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, even considering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity.

For Detailed News: Hindustan Times

Hollywood

Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

Published

on

By

Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

In a realm where intrigue and suspense collide, Bollywood’s beloved star Alia Bhatt has once again proven her mettle in the enthralling spy thriller “Heart of Stone.” Directed by the visionary Raj Mehta, this cinematic marvel takes audiences on a roller-coaster ride through espionage, deception, and unrelenting action, with Bhatt’s luminous performance at its epicenter.

A Glimpse into the Plot

“Heart of Stone” delves into the shadowy world of espionage, where nothing is as it seems, and allegiances can crumble in an instant. Bhatt’s character, Maya Verma, is a compelling enigma—a resolute intelligence operative navigating a labyrinth of covert operations and intricate deceptions. As the layers of the narrative peel away, Maya finds herself ensnared in a high-stakes game where trust is elusive and danger lurks in every frame.

The Resplendent Alia Bhatt

Advertisement

Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Maya Verma is nothing short of a revelation. Known for her remarkable versatility, Bhatt imbues Maya with a potent mix of strength and vulnerability. With every expression, every gesture, she breathes life into a character that resonates on both emotional and cerebral levels. Bhatt’s artistry reaches its zenith as Maya grapples with inner demons while outwitting her adversaries—a captivating dance that only an actress of her caliber could orchestrate.

Raj Mehta’s Directorial Panache

Raj Mehta, celebrated for his directorial finesse, orchestrates the tapestry of “Heart of Stone” with masterful precision. Seamlessly weaving heart-thumping action sequences and labyrinthine plot twists, Mehta keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. His meticulous attention to detail manifests in every scene, painting a cinematic canvas that’s as thrilling as it is visually arresting.

Supporting Cast: A Tapestry of Brilliance

Advertisement

The constellation of talent in “Heart of Stone” goes beyond Alia Bhatt. The ensemble cast, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Vicky Kaushal, contributes to the film’s tapestry with their impeccable performances. The chemistry between the characters adds depth to the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance and enriching the overall storytelling.

A Symphony of Cinematic Excellence

“Heart of Stone” is an embodiment of cinematic finesse. The film’s production values, from picturesque locations to evocative cinematography, envelop the viewer in a sensory feast. The musical score, composed with an acute understanding of the narrative’s ebbs and flows, elevates the tension and emotions, further ensnaring the audience in the movie’s spellbinding aura.

A Triumph of Genre Fusion

Advertisement

Critics and audiences alike have bestowed “Heart of Stone” with effusive praise for its seamless fusion of espionage, action, and drama. The film’s ingenious plot twists, coupled with Alia Bhatt’s extraordinary performance, thrust it into the echelons of standout espionage thrillers. It’s a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll.

In a year replete with cinematic treasures, “Heart of Stone” stands tall as an embodiment of brilliance. Alia Bhatt’s luminosity shines with unparalleled intensity, solidifying her place as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. This cinematic tour de force is a must-watch, an experience that unearths the magic created when remarkable talent converges to craft an indelible cinematic journey.

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in      
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Anyskill-ads

Facebook

[the_ad id="55117"]

Trending