Islamabad, 08 April 2016. The UNODC Country Office in Pakistan today signed a one year project with the Australian Government aimed at strengthening responses against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Pakistan.

The project will be implemented under the UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (2016-2019), with the financial support of approximately USD 550,000 provided by the Australian Government.

On this occasion the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Ms. Margaret Adamson visited the UNODC Office in Islamabad, along with other representatives from the High Commission. The main recipient law enforcement agency under the agreement would be the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), represented at the signing ceremony by Director Immigration Mr. Abdul Kareem.  

Mr. Cesar Guedes, UNODC Country Office Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the importance of building the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan to  effectively detect and disrupt trafficking and smuggling networks that are financially benefitting criminal syndicates and causing untold suffering. This project would enable UNODC to further raise awareness amongst vulnerable populations and protect individuals, especially women and children, from becoming victims.
High Commissioner Adamson said the Australian Government was pleased to work with the Government of Pakistan, through. UNODC, in strengthening  border controls and combatting transnational crimes including people smuggling and human trafficking. Ms. Adamson stressed that these were issues of global concern, requiring a strong and  coordinated response. She added that this project demonstrated the commitment of all three partners to address the scourge of transnational crime.
Director Immigration Mr. A. Kareem thanked the Government of Australia and the UNODC Country Office Pakistan for their continued support to the Federal Investigation Agency; and assured that it would work closely with the UNODC Office in implementing activities under the signed agreement.  
Mr. Guedes added that the presence of the senior law enforcement officer from the FIA on the occasion signalled the Government of Pakistan's strong commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by irregular migration.