ISLAMABAD - July 30, 2025: Marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to fight human trafficking as a serious form of organized crime, aligning with this year’s global theme: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.”

At a high-level event in Islamabad, senior officials from the Government of Pakistan, international organizations, and donor agencies called for a more coordinated and victim-centered approach to dismantling trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable populations for profit.

Jointly organized by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), UNODC, ILO, IOM, SSDO, ICMPD, and IRARA—with support from partners including the European Union, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Norway, the event underscored trafficking’s growing links to transnational criminal syndicates exploiting legal loopholes, migration routes, digital platforms, and global supply chains.

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Delivering the keynote address, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment through the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, enacted in 2018 with UNODC support. “This landmark law ensures strict punishment for traffickers and safeguards the dignity of victims, who are no longer treated as offenders for acts committed under coercion,” he said, adding that human trafficking remains a national priority.

He also praised the ongoing implementation of Pakistan’s National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants.

Speakers from UNODC, ILO, IOM, ICMPD, SSDO, and IRARA echoed the call for cross-border cooperation, robust referral mechanisms, and survivor-centered reintegration strategies.

A panel discussion tackled legal gaps, challenges in prosecution, and the urgent need for regional collaboration. Concluding the event, FIA Additional Director General Shakeel Durrani reaffirmed FIA’s resolve to strengthen frontline capacity, enhance partnerships, and raise public awareness on both internal and cross-border trafficking.

Pakistan’s strengthened stance reflects global urgency to end human exploitation and ensure justice for survivors.