Pakistan is grappling with the issue of disappearances, often not investigated as crimes, leading to the flourishing of criminal networks, as highlighted in a recent report. The report, published in ‘The Friday Times’, cited an incident where an elderly woman was reunited with her family by the police in Sadiqabad, Punjab province, underscoring the prevalence of such cases. It pointed out that many missing persons cases in Pakistan intersect with poverty, gender inequality, and trafficking networks, shedding light on the complexities involved.
The ‘2025 Trafficking in Persons Report’ from the US Department of State revealed a significant rise in trafficking victims identified by Pakistani authorities, with over 26,000 sex trafficking victims, predominantly women. The report emphasized that trafficking cases often start as missing persons complaints, making evidence collection challenging. Pakistan’s involvement in regional and transnational trafficking networks, with routes extending to Iran, Turkey, and Gulf states, was also highlighted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to combat trafficking.
Despite a high number of trafficking-related cases, conviction rates in Pakistan remain low, attributed to investigative constraints and evidentiary challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. The report underscored the importance of treating missing women cases as potential trafficking investigations to combat criminal networks effectively. It also mentioned the need for enhanced investigative capacity and coordination among agencies to address trafficking issues effectively in the country.
