Pakistan Boosts Fight Against Human Trafficking

Islamabad (News Desk) — On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve to combat human trafficking as a form of transnational organized crime. Under the global theme “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” a high-level event brought together key stakeholders from the Government of Pakistan and international organizations to advance cooperation, strengthen justice systems, and protect victims.

The event, held in Islamabad, was jointly organized by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the International Returns & Reintegration Assistance (IRARA). Financial support was provided by international partners, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the European Union, US Embassy, British High Commission, Government of Australia (DFAT), and the Government of Norway.

Human Trafficking: A Global, Evolving Crime

Highlighting the global nature of the crime, participants noted that over 200,000 victims were officially detected between 2020 and 2023, though the real number remains significantly higher. Organized criminal syndicates exploit legal gaps, migration routes, online platforms, and global supply chains to profit from forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

In his welcome address, Syed Arslan, Officer-in-Charge of UNODC Pakistan, stressed the urgent need to recognize human trafficking as a sophisticated form of organized crime. He emphasized the importance of stronger justice systems, victim-centered approaches, and international cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks.

Mr. Asim Ayub, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, echoed the need for collective action, stating, “Human trafficking knows no borders. Pakistan is firmly committed to international cooperation and stands ready to work with global partners to tackle this shared challenge.”

FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar, the event’s chief guest, highlighted Pakistan’s progress through the implementation of its National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. He noted that Pakistan’s Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act—enacted in 2018—has been instrumental in ensuring strict penalties for traffickers and safeguarding the rights of victims.

Voices from Global Partners

IOM Chief of Mission Mio Sato emphasized that human trafficking stems from vulnerability and must be addressed with a comprehensive, rights-based approach, including prevention, justice, and safe migration.

ILO Country Director Geir Thomas Tonstol called human trafficking a “serious violation of fundamental rights,” noting Pakistan’s ratification of the ILO Forced Labour Protocol as a crucial step in eliminating forced labour. He urged stronger enforcement, better protection systems, and the promotion of decent work to combat exploitation.

Saira Abbas of ICMPD highlighted the importance of international collaboration: “No single agency or nation can win this fight alone. As we stand at the intersection of human mobility and organized crime, let us pledge to match the innovation of traffickers with greater collaboration.”

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, stressed the importance of seamless coordination between law enforcement, service providers, and prosecutors to ensure timely and effective victim support. He advocated for a robust referral mechanism that centers the rights and dignity of survivors.

Umad Akhter, Country Director of IRARA, emphasized the need for long-term reintegration of survivors. “Every survivor deserves more than rescue—they deserve support, hope, and a path to rebuild,” he said.

Focus on Policy and Regional Coordination

A dedicated panel discussion titled “Organized Crime and TIP – National and Regional Responses” featured experts from law enforcement, legal institutions, and international agencies. They explored recent policy developments, cross-border challenges, and the critical role of human rights in all anti-trafficking measures.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Shakeel Durrani, Additional Director General (Immigration), FIA, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment, stating that the agency will continue to expand partnerships, strengthen frontline capacities, improve legal frameworks, and raise public awareness. He thanked international and national partners for their continued collaboration, acknowledging the personal commitment of the Prime Minister to combating this grave crime.