Pakistan reinforced its dedication to combating human trafficking as a type of transnational organized crime on Wednesday, observing the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme ‘Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.’

A significant gathering in Islamabad united Pakistani government officials, international bodies, and development associates to expedite joint endeavors for justice, deterrence, and victim assistance.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), along with UNODC, ILO, IOM, SSDO, ICMPD, and IRARA, co-organized the program, with funding from Canadian, EU, US, UK, Australian, and Norwegian entities. Attendees highlighted the critical need to tackle human trafficking as a lucrative criminal enterprise run by complex groups targeting susceptible individuals. From 2020 to 2023, over 200,000 victims were formally recognized globally, although the actual figure of unreported instances remains substantially greater.

Syed Arslan, UNODC Pakistan Officer-in-Charge, urged for robust legal frameworks to dismantle trafficking rings and shield victims. He stressed that human trafficking flourishes on regulatory gaps, international supply routes, and the internet, demanding comparably sophisticated countermeasures. Asim Ayub, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, representing FIA, restated Pakistan”s commitment to global cooperation.

Chief Guest Riffat Mukhtar, FIA Director General, underscored advancements under Pakistan’s National Action Plan on TIP and SOM. He lauded the 2018 Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act as a landmark achievement in guaranteeing severe consequences for offenders and safeguarding victims’ entitlements. The program also included a comprehensive overview of the National Action Plan”s execution, displaying progress in interagency coordination, victim aid systems, and enhanced data management.

Mio Sato, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission, emphasized the need for a rights-focused, all-encompassing approach to human trafficking. ILO Pakistan Country Director Geir Thomas Tonstol highlighted the significance of stricter law enforcement and fair job prospects. Representatives from ICMPD, SSDO, and IRARA focused on survivor-centric recovery and reintegration, urging for efficient referral mechanisms and locally-based aid.

A panel discussion explored difficulties in prosecution, international collaboration, and rights-based tactics. Shakeel Durrani, FIA Additional Director General (Immigration), concluded the program by reaffirming the administration”s resolve. The event served as a strong reminder of the need for collaborative, persistent, and victim-oriented measures against human trafficking at all levels.