ISLAMABAD (Web-Desk); Islamabad marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a high-level event under the global theme “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation”, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fighting human trafficking as a grave form of transnational organized crime. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from the Government of Pakistan and international organizations to stress the urgency of enhancing justice systems, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness to combat trafficking effectively.
Between 2020 and 2023, more than 200,000 human trafficking victims were identified globally, although the real figure is believed to be much higher. Criminal syndicates exploit legal loopholes, migration routes, online platforms, and global supply chains to traffic individuals for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and criminal coercion. As trafficking tactics become more sophisticated, participants at the event emphasized the urgent need for law enforcement and justice systems to evolve accordingly. The event was jointly hosted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), UNODC, ILO, IOM, SSDO, ICMPD, and IRARA, with financial backing from global partners including Canada, the European Union, the US, the UK, Australia, and Norway.
UNODC Pakistan’s Officer-in-Charge Syed Arslan highlighted the importance of treating trafficking as organized crime, calling for stronger legal actions and victim support. Asim Ayub of the Ministry of Interior echoed this, affirming Pakistan’s readiness to deepen global cooperation against trafficking.
FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar emphasized Pakistan’s legislative progress, notably the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018), which punishes traffickers while protecting victims. He underscored the government’s dedication to implementing its National Action Plan on TIP and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).
A detailed presentation reviewed the progress made under the National Action Plan, including improved victim services, data management, and institutional coordination.
IOM’s Mio Sato called for a human rights–based response and reiterated IOM’s support for Pakistan in line with the Global Compact for Migration. ILO’s Country Director Geir Thomas Tonstol stressed the need for decent work and stronger protection systems, citing Pakistan’s ratification of the ILO Forced Labour Protocol as a milestone.
ICMPD’s Saira Abbas warned that the fight against trafficking demands cross-border collaboration as traffickers grow increasingly innovative. SSDO’s Kausar Abbas emphasized that timely rehabilitation and recovery require seamless coordination among service providers, prosecutors, and police.
IRARA’s Country Director Umad Akhter underscored the need for survivor-centered reintegration, stating that recovery is more than rescue—it is about restoring dignity and opportunity.
A panel discussion titled “Organized Crime and TIP – National and Regional Responses” featured legal and law enforcement experts who discussed legal gaps, cross-border cooperation, and victim-focused policy reforms.
Concluding the event, FIA’s Additional Director General Shakeel Durrani reiterated the government’s full resolve to combat both domestic and cross-border human trafficking. He acknowledged the Prime Minister’s personal interest in the issue and committed to strengthening legal frameworks, institutional partnerships, and frontline capacities to counter human trafficking in all its forms.
