A two-day conference on “Countering Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Pakistan” conducted by Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and U.S. Embassy, Pakistan in partnership with Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) concluded in Islamabad. The conference was aimed at exploring avenues for institutional strengthening to reduce trafficking in persons and helping the victims getting the needed support.

In his opening remarks at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome said, “Human trafficking erodes the rule of law, the safety of our communities, the security of our borders, and the strength of our economy.  When we work together—across government, business, and civil society—to achieve the goals of combating human trafficking, we create a fairer and more equitable world.” Mr. Blome was joined by Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly Shehla Raza as chief guest at the event who acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. government in supporting anti-trafficking initiatives in Pakistan. 

Thanking the organizers for their work in coordinating the conference, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan Andrew Schofer added, “The exchange of ideas and coordination amongst all players is a critical part of addressing the issue of trafficking in persons.”

Around 350 scholars and anti-human trafficking experts from both the U.S. and Pakistan attended the conference, which included plenary sessions, dedicated discussions, and five working groups to discuss expected roles of a broad range of stakeholders to counter TIP – including parliamentarians, law enforcement, judiciary and prosecution, civil society, academia, and media.