Pakistan, EU reiterate joint commitment to combat human trafficking, money laundering

ISLAMABAD: European Union and Pakistan on Thursday reiterated their joint commitment to combat human smuggling and money laundering.

A European Union delegation, led by International Affairs Unit head Busiakiewicz Pawel, visited the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Headquarters in the federal capital.

The delegation held a meeting with the FIA director general and other key officials related to immigration, anti-human trafficking, counter-terrorism and National Central Bureau-Interpol.

The EU delegation commended FIA’s partnerships with international organisations and diplomatic missions, highlighting collaborative efforts with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, US Consulate, International Organisation for Migration, British High Commission, UNODC, the Australian High Commission, Interpol and EU, which have strengthened FIA’s capacity in countering migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons.

Additionally, the delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative efforts, including the enactment of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) Acts in 2018, as well as the ratification of the UN protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, in November 2022. The placement of FIA liaison officers in five link offices further enhances efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The delegation also commended the efforts of FIA’s Counter-Terrorism Wing in collaborating with international partners to combat cyber terrorism and extremist narratives. The delegation noted joint research initiatives, cybersecurity enhancement efforts, training programmes on digital forensics, and mutual assistance in investigating terrorism financing by the FIA. The Pak-EU Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism was highlighted as a significant contributor to global efforts in this regard.

Moreover, both sides reiterated on organising the capacity building training on the transnational organised crimes, including money laundering and terror financing.