Press Release

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 on "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, Sindh and Punjab remain a source of concern with high instances of bonded labour in agriculture, brick making and other industries. 

This report was commissioned in order to develop an in-depth understanding of the socio-economic patterns and trends related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Pakistan. The findings of the report aim to highlight the important relationship between the socio-economic conditions and irregular migration. 

UNODC Representative Mr. Cesar Guedes stated that "millions are smuggled across borders every year, for reasons of work or asylum, and some unfortunately perish in this long and arduous process, as recent tragic events in the Mediterranean have reminded us. Approximately 14 million family members across Pakistan are directly affected by this growing criminal phenomenon".   

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 while developing mechanism for effective interagency communication and international cooperation. 

The report has further highlighted that approximately 927 million USD are generated in profits by the criminal syndicates, weakening licit economy and contributing towards fuelling corruption.    

The launch of the publication was attended by senior government officials including the Director General FIA Mr. Akbar Khan Hoti, Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Peter Heyward along with representatives from various Embassies and High Commissions. 

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.

For further information kindly contact Rizwana Asad, Communications Officer via 0301-8564255 and/or rizwana.asad@unodc.org