Special Correspondent
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has emphasized the need to address the root causes of human trafficking – particularly economic disparities, limited legal pathways for regular migration, and conflict resolution and prevention for a comprehensive and coordinated global response to human trafficking.
Pakistan further said restrictive visa and border control regimes would only aggravate the existing challenges and push people to fall prey to human smugglers.
Speaking at a high level meeting of the General Assembly on the appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that armed conflicts, climate-induced disasters and economic disparities have accentuated this phenomenon.
He said that increasing number of children falling victim to human trafficking further highlights the enormity of this challenge.
Underlining the importance of the issue, he described Pakistan as a country of origin, transit and destination for movement of persons.
Ambassador Jadoon said that Pakistan is pursuing a two-pronged strategy by strengthening domestic measures and enhancing international cooperation with an aim to ensure a coordinated response to human trafficking.
He listed actions taken by Pakistan in this regard, stating that we have strengthened our efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling by launching a National Action Plan on Countering the Smuggling of Migrants (2026–2031), with a dedicated plan on Trafficking in Persons forthcoming.
He said that the Integrated Border Management System has been deployed at all immigration checkpoints to tighten enforcement against traffickers.
He further said that over 36,000 officials have been trained in anti-trafficking laws and enforcement in collaboration with international partners.
He said that additionally, more than one hundred shelter homes have been established nationwide, offering psychological support, legal aid, and vocational training to victims.
Ambassador Jadoon stated that Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening its cooperation with the international community including for the effective implementation of the Global Plan of Action.
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