Unseen victims, unheard voices

As Pakistan grapples with economic problems and political instability, a serious and often overlooked crisis – human trafficking – continues to worsen.

This insidious crime preys on society’s most vulnerable individuals, exploiting their desperation and trapping them in cycles of abuse and exploitation. Women, children and disadvantaged communities are particularly vulnerable, experiencing a reality that is both horrific and deeply rooted in the country’s socio-economic structure.

In Pakistan, human trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and child trafficking. The socio-economic situation, characterized by widespread poverty, unemployment, and persistent gender inequality, creates an environment in which traffickers can operate with alarming ease.

Families in rural areas, where poverty is highest, may force their children to work to pay off debts or acquire basic necessities.

According to an estimate by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Pakistan has an estimated 12.5 million child labourers, many of whom work in hazardous industries such as brick making and textile weaving.

Human trafficking takes many forms in cities like Karachi and Lahore, but it is no less horrific. Women and girls are often forced into sexual exploitation through work or marriage.

According to the Global Slavery Index 2018, approximately 3.1 million people in Pakistan are victims of modern slavery, with a significant number of women and children subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Despite the seriousness of the problem, Pakistan’s law enforcement and judicial systems face significant obstacles in combating human trafficking.

The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2018 was a major step forward, criminalizing both sex and labor trafficking. However, implementation remains weak, hampered by corruption, inadequate training, and limited resources.

The US Department of State’s 2021 report on human trafficking has identified Pakistan as a Tier 2 Watch List country, indicating that while the government is making significant efforts to achieve basic standards for eliminating human trafficking, the country has not yet fully met the standards.

Corruption within law enforcement agencies is a major obstacle to effectively combating human trafficking. In many cases, traffickers are able to operate freely, aided by corrupt authorities who condone or encourage these crimes.

According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Pakistan ranked 140th out of 180 countries in 2021, highlighting the prevalence of corruption that hampers efforts to combat human trafficking.

The socio-cultural background in Pakistan contributes to the problem, especially for female victims. In a society where honor and reputation are highly valued, victims of trafficking, especially women and girls, are often stigmatized and socially excluded.

This stigma silences them, making it harder for them to seek help or reintegrate into society. Fear of dishonor prevents many from fleeing their traffickers.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations play a key role in Pakistan’s fight against human trafficking. These organizations provide vital support services such as housing, legal aid, and rehabilitation to survivors.

However, their efforts are often hampered by a lack of resources and government support.

To effectively combat human trafficking, a coordinated national approach is needed, involving government, the public sector and the private sector.

Strategies for preventing trafficking must include education and awareness. It is crucial to provide vulnerable groups with education about the dangers of trafficking and their rights to avoid exploitation. Schools, community groups and media sources must work together to communicate this information widely so that potential victims are aware and vigilant.

Pakistan’s accession to the United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol in 2022 is a step in the right direction internationally. However, it is still crucial to put this commitment into practice, by creating a nationwide hotline for victims of human trafficking, improving training for law enforcement and raising public awareness.

These actions are essential to destroy the systems that perpetuate modern slavery and to defend the rights and dignity of every citizen.

Pakistan must face the serious and urgent problem of human trafficking. It cannot afford to ignore this widespread problem while negotiating political and economic difficulties.

By strengthening legislative structures, increasing the capabilities of law enforcement and supporting the efforts of non-governmental organisations, Pakistan could make substantial strides in the fight against human trafficking. Ensuring that justice is served and the most vulnerable are protected is not only a legal imperative, but also a moral one.

The writer is a freelance contributor.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Geo.tv.

Originally published in The News