Understanding Migration Trends and Challenges in Pakistan
Between October 2023 and October 2024, Pakistanis lodged approximately 28,000 applications for international protection in European Union Plus countries, as revealed by the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA). These figures show a steady decline since the peak of October 2023, which recorded 3,400 applications. The numbers for October 2024 stand at 1,900, with Italy as the primary receiving country, followed by France, Greece, and Germany.

This downward trend raises critical questions about the socio-political and economic landscape in Pakistan. Despite laws and governmental efforts to combat trafficking and improve human rights conditions, challenges persist, hindering the country’s progress toward global standards of human rights and accountability.

Human Trafficking and Bonded Labour: A Grim Reality
Pakistan grapples with significant issues of human trafficking and bonded labour. The report estimates that 3 to 4.5 million individuals are trapped in debt-bondage, a practice deeply entrenched in cultural traditions like “Peshgi” or “Begar,” where loans to laborers create a cycle of unpayable debt. Weak law enforcement and high levels of corruption exacerbate the plight of victims, creating an urgent need for policy reforms and effective governance.

Political Instability and Security Threats
The security situation in Pakistan remains precarious, with escalating violence in regions such as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) have intensified insurgent activities. These challenges not only affect domestic stability but also contribute to the migration crisis.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
As of September 2024, over three million Afghan refugees reside in Pakistan, many facing a hostile environment due to the government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Over 738,000 Afghans have been returned under this plan, further intensifying the crisis.

The Path Forward
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening the rule of law, enhancing accountability, and fostering international collaboration are crucial steps. Additionally, creating awareness about the underlying causes of migration and human trafficking can pave the way for meaningful change.