ISLAMABAD: The International Conference on combating human trafficking and bonded labor of women and girls in Pakistan, organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), concluded on Wednesday at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.
Dignitaries including the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, diplomats, lawmakers, and representatives from civil society actively participated in the event.
In his inaugural speech at the conference U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome emphasized the gravity of human trafficking as a global crisis affecting millions worldwide. Ambassador Blome highlighted the hidden nature of this crime, affecting 27.6 million people globally, and its impact on national security, markets, and the erosion of universal values.
Ambassador Blome introduced the widely used “3P” paradigm – prosecution, protection, and prevention – and highlighted the U.S. Department of State’s “4th P” – partnership. He commended the ongoing partnership between the U.S. Embassy and SSDO as a testament to the effectiveness of meaningful collaborations between civil society and the public sector.
US Deputy Chief of Mission in Islamabad Andrew Schofer emphasized the challenging reality of human trafficking, where criminals exploit systems designed for public good. Tackling this global problem requires a coalition that transcends borders and industries. Schofer highlighted the need for leveraging technology, sharing information, and building partnerships to effectively counter trafficking networks.
The conference featured two distinguished speakers – Ansa Noreen, a trafficking survivor, and Joseph Salavarria, a retired Special Agent from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ambassador Blome underscored the importance of humanizing the danger by understanding survivors’ experiences and collaborating with those actively combating trafficking
DG FIA, Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir, in his guest of honor address, applauded the efforts of SSDO and FIA in organizing the event and shedding light on legal actions taken against culprits across Pakistan. He emphasized that human trafficking is a crime with no boundaries, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
DG FIA highlighted Pakistan’s alignment with international protocols, reinforcing its position in tackling transnational trafficking and promoting cooperation with other nations. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and adaptive to stay ahead of traffickers, leveraging innovation and technology to ensure citizens’ safety.
DG FIA also thanked the participants and emphasized the need for a focused approach, combined with collaborative efforts, in the ongoing fight against trafficking in persons. The commitment to improving and adapting efforts through collaborative partnerships remains a key strategy to make human trafficking a relic of the past.
The conference concluded with a shared resolve among participants to continue the fight against human trafficking through collective action, awareness, and sustained partnerships.
The conference was funded by U.S. mission in Pakistan and was organized SSDO in collaboration with Pakistan-U.S. -Alumni Network .
