By: Shehneela Mazhar
With courage as high as Margalla hills, Talha Ahad Rasheed, an IVLP 2019 alumnus and member of the Interest Group on Trafficking in Persons from Islamabad embarked on a transformative mission to combat human trafficking through an innovative podcast series. This powerful initiative, funded by the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) under the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), aimed to raise awareness and empower individuals to tackle the grave issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
With a strong passion for addressing social issues, Talha’s years of experience in combating human trafficking equipped him with profound insights into the complexities and challenges surrounding this heinous crime. As a dedicated professional, he understood the transformative power of storytelling and media in creating awareness and driving social change.
The playlist containing four podcasts developed under this ASG can be accessed via PUAN’s Youtube channel.
Episode 1: Stories of Pakistanis Fell Prey to Human Trafficking
Episode 2: How Agents Trap People for Illegal Migration?
Episode 3: Why This Man Was Deported in Europe Beyond Trafficking
Episode 4: Why This Man Was Smuggled to Saudi Arabia
Talha’s ASG project was designed to address the pressing issue of human trafficking by sharing the stories of victims through a compelling podcast series. The primary purpose was to humanize the issue, evoke empathy, and inspire collective action against human trafficking. The project aimed to raise awareness at the grassroots level, empower individuals with knowledge, and foster collaborations with experts, NGOs, and influencers to build a network committed to combating TIP.
The project’s impact was profound, reaching a total of 2 million direct and indirect beneficiaries. Through the powerful podcast, victims’ stories were shared, inspiring survivors to become advocates for change and empowering others to protect themselves. The heightened awareness and knowledge among the audience had the potential to prevent potential victims from falling prey to deceptive agents.
One survivor shared, “This project empowered me to advocate for change after my own experience. By sharing my story, I hope to prevent others from going through the same ordeal.” Another participant expressed, “Being a part of this project was life-changing. It ignited a fire within me to become an active advocate against human trafficking and contribute to its eradication.”
Talha praised the collaboration with the U.S. Mission and PUAN, emphasizing their crucial support and guidance throughout the project. The U.S. Mission’s commitment to addressing human trafficking and PUAN’s network of passionate alumni amplified the project’s reach and effectiveness.
Talha Ahad Rasheed’s podcast series stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against human trafficking. Through storytelling and media, his project has educated, inspired, and empowered countless individuals to join the collective effort in combatting TIP. With the unwavering support of PUAN and the U.S. Mission, Talha’s vision has transformed lives and taken a significant step towards eradicating human trafficking. Together, let us continue to raise our voices and break the silence on this grave issue, paving the way for a safer and more just world.
