The establishment of the Pakistan United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) is a welcome development. Human trafficking and irregular migration have long plagued Pakistan, yet successive governments have failed to evolve an effective strategy to deal with these twin challenges.
Each year, thousands of Pakistanis are deceived by unscrupulous agents who promise lucrative opportunities abroad but instead expose them to dangerous and exploitative routes. A recent study found that 24,000 Pakistanis had entered EU member countries illegally over the previous three years. This figure is alarming, yet it represents only a fraction of the human cost, as many others perish on their journeys or fall prey to trafficking networks.
The launch of UNNM provides an opportunity to address these issues more systematically. By developing a “unified, collaborative approach to migration governance” and situating its work within frameworks such as the SDGs and the Global Compact for Migration, the initiative aims to close the gaps that traffickers have long exploited. It also promises to bring key stakeholders onto a single platform – something that has been missing thus far.
However, the network’s potential will only be realised if there is political will within Pakistan to match it. Human trafficking has long thrived in the shadows of corruption and weak border controls. Simply creating new bodies or entering international frameworks will not be enough. The state must demonstrate seriousness by cracking down on organised trafficking rings and strengthening the regulation of recruitment agencies.
Equally important are the root causes. As long as poverty and joblessness continue to push the youth abroad, irregular migration will remain a thriving business. Pakistan needs to create viable opportunities at home and expand safe, legal pathways for overseas employment.
