New York, 24 November 2021 (TDI): The Deputy Permanent Representative at Pakistan Mission to the UN spoke at a High-level General Assembly meeting on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan for Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Ambassador Aamir Khan stressed that to combat human trafficking a coordinated and concerted equitable global approach is necessary to eradicate the ill in all its forms. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the UN initiative to fight global trafficking.

Human trafficking affects all parts of the world

He highlighted that human trafficking affects all parts of the world. Ambassador Khan pointed out that rising global issues of economic deprivation, insecurity, and proliferating conflicts are the cores issues triggering migrant crises across the globe and that thousands of helpless and vulnerable men, women, and children are affected adversely and illegal migration results in the death of these people in detention centers, or at the sea or deserts.

Referring to the COVID-19 Pandemic, he reflected that problems of inequality and global poverty have further exacerbated and resultantly pose a greater danger to vulnerable people being trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other crimes.

Pakistan’s strategy to fight human trafficking 

The Ambassador laid down Pakistan’s strategy in its fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He focused that Pakistan has formulated migrant smuggling laws; the country has taken on SOPs for victim support and referral mechanisms and has also strengthened capacities of immigration and border management.

He highlighted the significant progress of the Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan, in coordination with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (ODC) and other international agencies, in their fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

In 2018 Pakistan passed the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (PTPA). The PTPA outlines punishments ranging from 2-10 years in prison for crimes related to sex and labor trafficking.

Another recent significant contribution of the country to better administer its borders include the fencing of the 2640km long Durand Line on the Pakistan Afghanistan border, which would also help contain cross-border terrorism and smuggling.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level meeting follows just a few days ahead of a migrant crisis that continues to linger on the European borders of Poland with Belarus and has left thousands of people subject to vulnerable conditions.