The ongoing struggle in Pakistan against illegal immigration and human trafficking has reached a turning point since these problems are becoming more and more ingrained in the country’s culture. Recent high-profile instances have revealed a different aspect of this problem by bringing to light the horrible crimes that are connected to it and revealing how it has evolved into a well-run, incredibly lucrative industry that costs billions of dollars and many valuable lives every year. The urgency lies in preserving Pakistan’s international image, addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities, rectifying the ineffective implementation of Pakistani laws, and curbing the exploitative role of unlicensed consultants and facilitators. Swift and comprehensive measures are imperative to safeguard vulnerable populations.

The country functions as a source, transit, and destination for human trafficking, with children, youth, and women being particularly vulnerable. The magnitude of transnational migrant smuggling remains difficult to ascertain due to inadequate monitoring systems, while the consequences of illegal migration are far-reaching. Unfortunately, the government’s efforts to address this pressing issue have been insufficient, exacerbating the problem. Pakistan serves as a conduit for vulnerable migrants who are smuggled to various countries, including Gulf States, Iran, Turkey, South Africa, Uganda, Greece, North America, Southeast Asian countries, Far East Asian countries, and other European nations.

The clandestine nature of transnational migrant smuggling in Pakistan makes it challenging to accurately gauge the scale of the problem. However, the detection of Pakistani victims worldwide highlights the urgent need for effective countermeasures. Between 1971 and 2020, Pakistan witnessed a significant outflow of labor, with 11.1 million individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad. Simultaneously, irregular labor migration has increased over the years. While obtaining precise data on irregular migration remains challenging due to its concealed nature, Pakistan ranks among the top five countries of origin for irregular migrants heading towards Europe.[1]

Pakistan’s failure to address the issue of human trafficking and illegal migration is underscored by numerous reported cases that demand immediate attention. In a report from 2016, it was revealed that Iran detains around 20,000 illegal Pakistani migrants each year. Moreover, Iranian authorities had deported following years over 26,000 illegal immigrants of Pakistani origin who were attempting to reach Europe through Iran, Turkey, and Greece with the assistance of human smugglers.[2] 

Evidently, the recent data shows almost 208 Pakistanis deport daily since 2009 from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Oman, which shows the severity of the issue. [3]Another incident shows, on November 15, 2017, the bullet-riddled bodies of 15 Pakistani illegal migrants were discovered near the Iranian border in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province. This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by individuals involved in illegal migration.

In a more recent incident, on February 27, 2023, a boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Italy, resulting in the death of 59 Pakistanis, with 18 individuals reported as missing.[4] Tragically, another incident occurred on March 3, 2023, when a boat attempting to land in Crotone, Italy, crashed into rocks, breaking apart and sinking in rough seas.[5] This incident claimed the lives of at least 67 people. Pakistan’s foreign office reported that 17 Pakistanis were rescued, while two individuals remained missing and two had been confirmed dead, including Shahida Raza, the former player of women hockey team.[6]  Likewise, another devastating incident occurred on June 14, 2023, off the coast of Greece, where an overcrowded fishing trawler sank, resulting in the death of more than 300 Pakistani nationals.

The reasons for leaving Pakistan by migrants are multifaceted. In December 2022, data released by Pakistan’s Bureau of Immigration indicated that over 832,339 people had registered abroad for employment opportunities in the previous year. This marked a significant increase of more than 300% in the number of Pakistanis leaving the country in search of better prospects. Factors contributing to this trend include a lack of future hope, socio-economic issues, and the allure of opportunities abroad.[7]

Migrant smuggling poses severe risks and consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for Pakistan as a whole. The detrimental effects include a significant retardation of Pakistan’s reputation abroad and a loss of credibility on the international stage. Additionally, this illicit activity creates challenges for genuine. visa applicants, as immigration authorities must contend with the repercussions of human trafficking and illegal migration. The most tragic consequence is the loss of numerous precious lives, as demonstrated by the tragic incidents of boat sinking and fatalities among Pakistani migrants seeking better opportunities abroad.

Moreover, the economic impact cannot be ignored, as billions of dollars are lost each year due to the unregulated nature of migrant smuggling. These risks and their far-reaching implications underscore the urgent need for robust measures to address human trafficking and illegal migration, safeguard vulnerable populations, and protect Pakistan’s reputation and economic well-being.

Sultan Afridi, former assistant director of the Federal Investigation Agency, who led the organization’s anti-human smuggling operations for 15 years, stated that each year between 30,000 to 40,000 Pakistanis attempt illegal passage to Europe, Turkey, Russia, and Middle Eastern countries annually, often passing through Baluchistan and utilizing air travel. This unregulated nature of human trafficking and illegal migration imposes a significant economic burden on Pakistan. Reports indicated that smugglers charging an average of $10,270 per person for their illegal travel from Pakistan to Europe[8].  Considering the scale, the financial implications amount to approximately $308.1 million to $410.8 million is facing by Pakistan by the smuggling of migrants from Pakistan to Europe each year.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has played a crucial role in combatting human trafficking and illegal migration in Pakistan. In 2022 alone, the FIA registered a staggering 19,000 cases involving illegal migrants, reflecting the magnitude of the issue. Furthermore, in the same year, a total of 11,795 cases were registered, leading to the conviction of 6,234 individuals involved in these illicit activities. These numbers demonstrate the agency’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue. [9]Although the challenges persist, the FIA has shown progress over the years. In 2018, there were 2,896 registered cases, with only 627 arrests made.

However, in 2019, the FIA recorded 3,018 cases, resulting in 421 arrests. The following year, in 2020, the agency reported 2,921 cases, leading to the arrest of 125 culprits. In 2021, the number of reported cases increased to 8,835, and the FIA managed to apprehend 1,173 individuals involved in human trafficking and illegal migration.[10]

Firstly, there is a crucial need to empower and strengthen the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) by providing it with increased resources, training, and support. 

Secondly, A crackdown on smugglers and consultants involved in facilitating these illicit activities is essential. Law enforcement agencies must collaborate closely to identify and dismantle human smuggling networks, imposing strict penalties on those found guilty. This includes not only the smugglers but also consultants who exploit vulnerable individuals seeking migration opportunities. The introduction of licensing and regulation for consultants and all individuals involved in the business of immigration will help ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical practices.

Thirdly, the government’s willingness and commitment are paramount to effectively address this issue. Without a strong political will and dedication, any efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal migration will fall short. The government needs to prioritize this issue, allocate adequate resources, and establish comprehensive policies and strategies to tackle the root causes, strengthen border control, improve monitoring systems, and enhance international cooperation.

Lastly, the government should work towards streamlining the justice system, ensuring that cases related to human trafficking and illegal migrations are fast-tracked, and justice is served swiftly. Exemplary punishments for those involved in these heinous crimes will act as deterrence and send a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated. Lastly, by raising awareness, enforcing existing laws, and expediting legal proceedings, Pakistan can make significant progress in addressing this pressing issue.

These incidents and figures collectively emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the issue of human trafficking and illegal migration in Pakistan. Efforts should focus on enhancing border control, strengthening monitoring systems, and intensifying collaboration with international partners. Additionally, addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, through socio-economic development and creating a favorable environment within Pakistan, is vital to curb the persistent challenges posed by human trafficking and illegal migration.

In conclusion, the failure to safeguard vulnerable populations against human trafficking and illegal migration poses significant challenges in Pakistan. The current situation demands urgent action to combat this heinous crime, restore Pakistan’s reputation, and protect the rights and dignity of affected individuals. Comprehensive measures, along with international cooperation, are crucial for effectively safeguarding vulnerable populations and addressing the issues of human trafficking and illegal migration. In addressing the persistent challenge of human trafficking and illegal migration in Pakistan, it is important to recognize that laws already exist to combat these crimes. However, the history of this issue is not new, and Pakistan has been grappling with it for a significant period of time. Each year, countless innocent lives are lost at the hands of merciless waters, highlighting the urgency of taking robust action. In order to effectively combat human trafficking and illegal migration in Pakistan, several recommendations need to be considered.

The writer is a human rights activist.

Published in Opinion Papers – Legal ID Pakistan, June 04, 2024

References:

[1] Misbah Rashid, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Irregular Migration: Risks and Vulnerabilities of Pakistani Migrants, SPRC, 2021.

[2] Waseem Ashraf, Human smuggling: a thriving racket, OCHA Services, 2018.

[3]Zahid Gishkori Illegal immigrants: 208 Pakistanis deported every day since 2009, The Tribune, 2023

[4] Wajahat Ali, Migrant smuggling in Pakistan, Pakistan Observer, 2023

[5] IN Bureau, 28 Pakistanis die in Rome boat tragedy as poverty triggers illegal migration, Indian Narrative, 2023.

[6] Zubair Nazir, Hockey player Shahida Raza among victims of migrant boat tragedy, The Tribune, 2023.

[7] Bakht Noor, How a crippled economy is forcing a valuable part of the workforce to leave their motherland, PT Profit, 2023.

[8] Rabia Ali, Exploiting hope: The ‘agents’ smuggling people from Pakistan, AA, 2023.

[9] UNODC, Irregular Migration and Associated Crimes in Pakistan: A Review of FIA’s training Programs, 2011

[10] FIA, Annual Report, https://www.fia.gov.pk/files/immigration/1783290281.pdf, 2022, Pg 25-28.