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

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3 years ago

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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.”

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

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2 weeks ago

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April 24, 2025

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their children visited the historical Amer Fort in Jaipur on April 22, 2025. The Vance family received a warm welcome at the Fort, where they were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants. Second Lady Usha Vance, the wife of US vice president JD Vance, carries her daughter Mirabel as they watch a cultural performance at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur. The Vance family will depart for the US early Thursday morning. In related news, JD Vance and wife Usha attended Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Vance also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23, 2025. Vance said that “good progress.

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In other news, Pope Francis’ funeral is set to start on Wednesday, and the J&K tourist hub has been completely shut today. On 4/20, celebrations across the US highlight cannabis culture and calls for legalization had been made towards a trade deal with India after meeting with “tough negotiator” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The Vance family visited.

On April 22, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, and their three children, visited Jaipur’s historic Amber Fort. The family received a warm welcome, highlighted by traditional Rajasthani folk performances and a red carpet reception. As they entered the fort’s main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, they were greeted by two elegantly decorated elephants named Chanda and Mala, raising their trunks in greeting. ​

During their visit, the Vances were joined by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who guided them through the fort’s rich history and architectural marvels. The family also enjoyed cultural performances featuring traditional dances such as Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant.

Usha Vance, dressed in a chic white shirt and patterned skirt, explored the fort alongside her family and dignitaries, embracing the cultural experience culture of Rajasthan This visit was part of Vice President Vance’s four-day official trip to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and India. The Vance family departed for Washington.

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Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer from Jaipur on April 24, concluding their cultural tour of India Upon their arrival at Amber Fort, the Vance family was greeted with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Two elegantly decorated elephants, Chanda and Pushpa, adorned with silver ornaments, were stationed at the entrance welcome.

The family was also treated to a cultural performance featuring folk artists dressed in traditional Rajputi and Kalbelia attire, accompanied by musicians playing regional instruments. The vibrant rangolis and the overall festive atmosphere highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan The fort’s impressive courtyards and majestic structures.

Exploring the Fort’s Historical Significance

During their tour of Amber Fort, the Vance family explored various architectural marvels, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), known for its intricate mirror work and stunning design. They were accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who provided insights into the fort’s history and significance.​

Engaging with Local Culture

Throughout their visit, Vice President Vance demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with The Vance family’s visit to Amber Fort was part local culture. He interacted with the folk artists and expressed appreciation for the traditional performances, reflecting a genuine curiosity and respect for India’s diverse cultural heritage.​

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