Launch of Report -"The socio-economic impact of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Pakistan"

19 ^th February 2015 - UNODC Office in Pakistan in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency published a research report entitled "The Socio-economic impact of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Pakistan" at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

Pakistan is a source, transit and a destination country for human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The problem manifests itself within the country and across borders. Internally, the provinces of Sindh and Punjab remain a source of concern with high instances of bonded labour in agriculture, brick making and other industries including ship breaking. 

UNODC Representative Mr. Cesar Guedes stated that "millions are smuggled across borders every year in the false hope of a better life, some irregular migrants unfortunately perish in this long and arduous journey, as tragic events in the Mediterranean Sea have reminded us. Approximately $1 billion USD is generated in profits by the criminal syndicates, weakening the licit economy and contributing towards fuelling corruption".   

High Commissioner of Australia, Mr. Peter Heyward said that "human trafficking and migrants smuggling poses a serious governance risk to the wider region and can be a major hurdle in the economic progress. We look forward to continue working with the UNODC in building the capacity of national law enforcement agencies in Pakistan".

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Quadratullah Khan, Additional Director General Immigration Federal Investigation Agency. He thanked the UNODC and Government of Australia for their technical and financial support and assured to continue working in close collaboration with the international community in eliminating human trafficking and migrant smuggling from the country. He further highlighted upon the initiatives which the FIA has recently taken for improving border control mechanisms across major international airports.  

The recommendations provided in the report would assist the relevant ministries and the law enforcement agencies in Pakistan to effectively plan and allocate resources towards the high migration areas due to their vulnerability while developing mechanism for effective interagency communication and international cooperation, said Mr. Guedes.  

The launch of the publication was attended by senior government officials, members of the civil society and representatives of various international organizations and diplomatic missions. 

UNODC is grateful to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of the Government of Australia for the financial support in conduct of this research and publication.

Report: The Socio-economic impact human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Pakistan