If we look at the refugee profile in Pakistan, for the most part, the country has been a model host for welcoming refugees from different countries. Pakistan has the largest number of refugees for the longest duration in modern history, not just from Afghanistan but also having the largest Rohingya and Bengali population, and Somalis as well. They are experiencing better conditions in Pakistan compared to many other countries in the region, in terms of the treatment they receive from host communities and authorities.

These remarks were made by Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed during the dialogue on Human Trafficking in Pak-Afghan Region, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).

He underlined the need to look at the bigger picture of the issues of human trafficking and illegal migration to make sense of the scale and magnitude of the problem which has now become a global concern and having impact on the politics of and relations between several countries; noting that it was at the core of president trump’s election campaign as the flagship issue.

He said that foreigners or non-Pakistanis living in Pakistan who have children born in Pakistan should become Pakistani citizens whether they are Afghans, Rohingyas, or Bengalis. “I believe, if someone who has been living here for the last 30, 40 years, they are Pakistanis”.

“We must have problems with the regime in Kabul but the Afghans living in Pakistan should not pay the price”, he said while opposing the forced eviction of refugees on any pretext, noting that it was morally, legally, and politically wrong.

Pakistan is a big enough country to accommodate people who come here for economic and so many other reasons. Afghans in Pakistan who worked with US forces in Afghanistan have been waiting for their visas for the last three years, face prolonged uncertainty, financial hardships, and legal challenges as they navigate bureaucratic delays and shifting immigration policies.

The issue of Afghans living in Pakistan should be seen as both a legal and humanitarian problem and not just as the former.

Afghan refugees are not an economic burden on Pakistan, in fact, they are self-sustaining, and contribute to our economy through their hard work.

The main issue in Pakistan is control over borders and border management where there should be an interprovincial task force at the central level.

With the senior-most officials of the relevant security agencies sacked after the Greece boat incident, which had claimed the lives of several Pakistani nationals shows how seriously Pakistan believes in dealing with the issue of human trafficking.

The executive director of CRSS, Imtiaz Gul said that the devastating back to back boat tragedies are because of the issue of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities the displaced persons face. These incidents show that there are not enough checks at home. The issues like human trafficking should not be submerged with our absorption in and consumption by political issues. The human traffickers who play with the destinies and dreams of people should not get scot-free.

The participants of the dialogue noted that the absence or weakening of the rule of law and corruption are major factors enabling human trafficking in Pakistan and the region. Tackling human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach, including sustainable livelihoods, education, social awareness initiatives, and greater political and social cohesion.

Human trafficking persists because the relevant authorities remain preoccupied elsewhere. It reflects the decay of human welfare and basic rights. Every moment of ignorance and negligence costs this region human lives and immense suffering.

The recent tragedies involving migrant boats are not isolated incidents. We must dig deeper and ask ourselves: why do these individuals take such perilous risks? The answer lies in the lack of livelihood opportunities and proper guidance at home.

Political and economic instability are key drivers of human trafficking. Combating human trafficking requires a unified national narrative that is consistently reinforced. Everyone – governments and citizens alike – must be on board. Illegal migration is largely ignored in Pakistan—until tragedy strikes.