Pakistan has called for a “comprehensive and coordinated global response” to human trafficking, urging the international community to tackle its underlying drivers rather than rely solely on restrictive controls.
At a High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ambassador Usman Jadoon said that Pakistan had “emphasised the need to address the root causes of human trafficking – particularly economic disparities, limited legal pathways for regular migration, and conflict resolution and prevention.”
He warned that “restrictive visa and border control regimes would only aggravate the existing challenges and push people to fall prey to human smugglers.”
Ambassador Jadoon noted that “armed conflicts, climate-induced disasters and economic disparities have accentuated this phenomenon,” adding that the “increasing number of children falling victim to human trafficking further highlights the enormity of this challenge.”
He explained 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.”
Highlighting national efforts, Ambassador Jadoon stated that Pakistan “has 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 added 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,” and that “more than one hundred shelter homes have been established nationwide, offering psychological support, legal aid, and vocational training to victims.”
Concluding, 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.”
