Human trafficking, often fueled by socio-economic disparities, remains an unchecked evil in Pakistan, where vulnerable populations are targeted for profit by exploitative networks. The recently released 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US State Department places Pakistan on ‘Tier 2’—a concerning position that reflects insufficient government measures to combat human trafficking effectively. This alarming categorization should prompt immediate action to dismantle the structural issues that perpetuate human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and bonded labor across the country.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s recent appeal for intensified awareness in combatting human trafficking is a step in the right direction. At a recent interactive session focused on the media’s role in reporting human trafficking, Mr. Kundi underscored essential elements: protecting the dignity and identity of victims, holding law enforcement accountable, and enhancing media’s role in linking victims to legal aid resources provided by the government and NGOs. These priorities highlight a pragmatic approach—one that aligns with the goals of effective governance and aims to address the powerlessness of trafficking victims.
Despite significant legislation, including the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act passed in 2018, enforcement remains lethargic. These laws, which were designed to protect trafficking victims, suffer from weak implementation due to chronic issues of patronage, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability within critical institutions. The impact of this failure is most acutely felt by the victims, who are left without proper recourse and remain trapped in the vicious cycle of exploitation. Adding to the challenges, while Pakistan ratified the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2022, it has yet to sign the UN’s Trafficking in Persons Protocol under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)—a missed opportunity to align with global standards.
For real change to occur, Pakistan must overhaul its approach. First, drastic reforms are necessary to uproot the culture of impunity that protects traffickers and enablers within the system. Official collusion and corruption, which allow such crimes to thrive, must be eradicated to empower law enforcement to act decisively and without prejudice. Strengthening specialized departments for child, labor, and women’s protection is crucial, ensuring that these institutions operate transparently and independently of political or financial influences.
Moreover, combating transnational organized crimes like human trafficking demands strategies anchored in international best practices. Adopting methods and policies stipulated in global conventions could bring Pakistan closer to reducing trafficking and offering genuine protection to victims. Beyond enforcement, fostering awareness among citizens, empowering communities, and providing adequate resources for victim rehabilitation must remain central objectives.
In a nation still grappling with endemic social issues, creating a safe environment for all citizens, especially marginalized groups, is imperative. Pakistan’s socio-economic progress relies on fostering a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected. The government’s failure to do so only perpetuates its international reputation as a high-risk zone for human trafficking. The time to act is now, through reforms, accountability, and a genuine commitment to eradicating human trafficking from the roots.
