Why human trafficking crisis has put Pakistan under the microscope

Human trafficking remains a grave issue worldwide, but in Pakistan, the problem has reached alarming levels.

The 2024 U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report has spotlighted Pakistan’s deep-rooted crisis, marked by systemic government failure and a frightening lack of accountability.

According to the report, Pakistan’s record in combating human trafficking remains dismal. In 2023 alone, despite investigations into over 18,000 cases of trafficking, a mere 10 convictions were secured.

Even more concerning, for the fifth consecutive year, no substantial action was taken against government officials implicated in trafficking-related offences.

This dire situation underscores Pakistan’s struggles to address the widespread and multifaceted issue of human trafficking effectively.

While the country has legal frameworks and institutions in place to tackle trafficking, the lack of implementation, coupled with systemic corruption, has allowed traffickers to operate with near impunity.

Pakistan’s human trafficking crisis spans multiple dimensions, affecting men, women, and children.

Victims are often exploited in forced labour, sexual slavery, domestic servitude, and even organ trafficking. Major urban centres like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad serve as hubs for trafficking networks. At the same time, rural areas see high incidences of bonded labour, particularly in brick kilns, agriculture, and carpet weaving industries.

The trafficking of children is particularly egregious. Many are sold into forced labour, used as beggars, or exploited in sex trafficking.

Child brides are also trafficked within Pakistan and across borders, often under the guise of cultural or religious practices. Reports of children being trafficked to the Gulf countries to work as camel jockeys or in domestic servitude have persisted despite international outcry.

Cross-border trafficking adds another layer of complexity. Pakistan is both a source and transit country for trafficking victims. Many are trafficked to countries in the Middle East and South Asia, where they face inhumane working conditions and abuse.

The 2024 TIP Report places Pakistan on the Tier 2 Watch List, reflecting its inadequate efforts to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. The report highlights several concerning trends:

Low conviction rates: Out of over 18,000 human trafficking investigations in 2023, only 10 convictions were reported. This glaring disparity underscores systemic inefficiencies in the judicial process.

Impunity for officials: For the fifth consecutive year, the government failed to take substantial action against officials implicated in trafficking. Allegations of corruption and collusion with traffickers are rampant, yet these cases seldom result in prosecution.

Inadequate victim protection: Pakistan lacks sufficient mechanisms to identify and protect trafficking victims. Shelters and rehabilitation centres are few and far between, leaving survivors vulnerable to re-trafficking.

Legislative and enforcement gaps: While Pakistan has laws like the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, their enforcement is inconsistent. Law enforcement agencies often lack training and resources, further hampering efforts to combat trafficking.

Several underlying factors contribute to the persistence of human trafficking in Pakistan:

Poverty and unemployment: Economic hardships drive many individuals into vulnerable situations. Desperate families often fall prey to traffickers who promise employment opportunities or financial aid.

Lack of education: Illiteracy and lack of awareness about trafficking risks make individuals, especially in rural areas, easy targets for traffickers.

Gender inequality: Women and girls, who face systemic discrimination, are disproportionately affected by trafficking. They are often coerced into forced marriages or sexual exploitation.

Weak governance: Corruption, lack of accountability, and inadequate law enforcement create an environment where traffickers can operate without fear of consequences.

Cultural practices: Practices like bonded labour, child marriages, and the informal adoption of children often mask trafficking activities.

The Pakistani government’s response to human trafficking has been criticised for being largely symbolic.

While initiatives like anti-trafficking task forces and public awareness campaigns exist, their impact is minimal due to poor execution and lack of follow-through.

The government’s failure to prosecute officials implicated in trafficking reflects deeper issues of corruption and political interference.

Additionally, budgetary constraints and competing national priorities have relegated anti-trafficking efforts to the background.

The absence of a coordinated national strategy further exacerbates the problem.

NGOs and international organisations often fill the gap, but their efforts are not enough to address the scale of the crisis.

Corruption is a significant barrier to tackling human trafficking in Pakistan.

Law enforcement officials are often accused of accepting bribes to ignore trafficking activities or even collaborating with traffickers. Judicial delays and inefficiencies further undermine efforts to deliver justice.

This systemic corruption not only hampers investigations and prosecutions but also discourages victims from coming forward.

The international community, including the U.S. through its TIP Report, has repeatedly called on Pakistan to take stronger action against human trafficking.

Key recommendations include:

Strengthening legal frameworks: Pakistan must ensure that its anti-trafficking laws are comprehensive and rigorously enforced.

Amendments to existing laws should address gaps, such as the lack of clear definitions and penalties for all forms of trafficking.

Enhancing law enforcement: Training law enforcement officials to recognise and respond to trafficking cases is crucial. Dedicated anti-trafficking units should be adequately funded and equipped.

Prosecuting corrupt officials: Holding government officials accountable is essential to restore public trust and deter complicity in trafficking.

Improving victim support: Expanding shelter services, rehabilitation programmes, and legal aid for trafficking survivors can help them rebuild their lives and avoid re-victimisation.

Promoting public awareness: Awareness campaigns targeting at-risk communities can help prevent trafficking by educating individuals about the risks and signs.

International collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries and international organisations can improve cross-border cooperation and resource-sharing to combat trafficking networks.

According to experts, addressing human trafficking in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that combines legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and societal change.

Without significant reforms and accountability measures, human trafficking will continue to thrive, leaving countless victims in its wake.

The 2024 US TIP Report paints a grim picture of Pakistan’s human trafficking crisis.

The staggering number of cases investigated in 2023, juxtaposed with the mere 10 convictions, highlights the extent of the problem.

The persistent failure to hold officials accountable underscores systemic weaknesses that traffickers exploit.

Human trafficking not only violates fundamental human rights but also undermines the social and economic fabric of a nation.

Pakistan’s inability to address this crisis effectively tarnishes its global reputation and perpetuates suffering for thousands of victims.