Introduction:
Given the importance of the issue of transnational organized crime and the country’s commitment to curb this menace, Pakistan has passed “The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018” and “The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018” in 2018. In line with the provisions of the UNTOC; Pakistan also enacted the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matters) Act, 2020, which regulates the procedure for rendering and soliciting mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. A National Action Plan to combat TIP and SOM (2021-2025) drafted with the support of UNODC, provides a clear guideline for the next five years. Rule 43 of Prevention of Trafficking in Person Rules, 2020 mandates National Police Bureau to develop and maintain a centralized database on trafficking in persons.
The Bureau has therefore, as part of its recent initiatives, established a National Database on Trafficking in Person Management Unit. The primary objective of this unit is to establish a comprehensive, integrated and centralized database, data collection, analysis, and dissemination capability at the national level.
Objectives/Functions:
- Enhance information sharing and monitoring mechanisms;
- Foster effective international cooperation mechanisms, including the signature of new bilateral and multilateral agreements and appointment of liaison magistrates and police officers;
- Understand the root causes that drive the demand for various forms of crime in the context of migration, particularly trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling;
- Promote the implementation of provisions contained in Resolution 10/4 adopted in 2020, to foster fight against the economic dimension of the transnational organized crime.
- Strengthen the capacity of police organizations for immediate and effective response;
- Ensure implementation of relevant legal frameworks and improve law enforcement cooperation;
- Support the functioning of the mechanism for the review of the implementation of UNTOC and the protocols thereto and facilitate best use of outcome of the review process;
- Supporting UNODC’s programs and projects of technical assistance and capacity building.