Raising concerns over the country’s human rights situation, particularly for women, Pakistan Human Rights Commission (PHRC) emphasized that developing comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation and a National Action Plan will be futile unless these measures are implemented and practiced effectively on the ground.
Grim State of Women’s Rights and Gender Parity
On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, PHRC re-released its 2021 report on trafficking, underscoring the dire situation of women and girls in Pakistan.
The report calls for a robust system to collect, compile, and report data on the various dimensions of trafficking in persons. “Officials from concerned departments and law enforcement agencies should be sensitized and their capabilities enhanced to identify and report crimes,” the report stated.
The commission stressed that anti-trafficking legislation and national plans must translate into actionable measures.
“There is a need to develop synergy and strong coordination among all stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and punish traffickers,” the PHRC emphasized. The situation for women in Pakistan continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by the latest statistics and reports.
A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Pakistan as the second-worst country in terms of gender parity. In the Global Gender Gap Report released by WEF, Pakistan was placed 145th out of 146 countries, as reported by Dawn.
With 107 million women, Pakistan closed at 56.4 percent in the report’s gender gap index. The report noted, “this is the highest overall level of parity Pakistan has posted” since the launch of the global gender gap report by WEF in 2006.
This ranking reveals a grim picture of the state of women in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures and enforcement of existing laws to protect and empower women.
Government’s Commitment and Ground Realities
Pakistani President Arif Alvi reiterated the country’s commitment to combating human trafficking, emphasizing the establishment of an effective coordination infrastructure to prosecute traffickers and protect victims.
“Pakistan has embarked upon stringent anti-trafficking measures to enforce legal frameworks in line with international standards. The Trafficking in Person Act, 2018, aims to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, prescribing imprisonment of up to ten years for perpetrators,” Alvi stated.
Despite these commitments, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has noted a landmark decision by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), providing hope for hundreds of victims of enforced disappearances.
Chief Justice Athar Minallah stated that when there is sufficient evidence to conclude a case of ‘enforced disappearance,’ it becomes an obligation of the state and all its organs to trace the disappeared citizen. Since March 2011, Pakistan’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has received 8,463 complaints, with activists estimating the real number to be much higher.
The issue of forced disappearances in Pakistan dates back to the Musharraf era (1999-2008) but has persisted under subsequent governments.
Human rights activists allege that law enforcement agencies in Pakistan are responsible for many cases of forced disappearance, using it as a tool to intimidate and silence those who question the powerful military establishment or seek individual or social rights.
These disappearances are predominantly recorded in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, regions with active separatist movements.
The PHRC’s call for effective anti-trafficking laws and improved coordination highlights the critical need for tangible action.
The plight of women, gender parity issues, and enforced disappearances paint a troubling picture of human rights in Pakistan. Immediate and sustained efforts are necessary to address these concerns comprehensively.
As Pakistan observes the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the 2021 PHRC report serves as a stark reminder of ongoing human rights challenges.
Data-driven approaches, capacity building among officials, and robust enforcement of anti-trafficking laws are crucial steps towards improving the human rights landscape.
While governmental commitments and legal frameworks exist, their practical application remains the litmus test for genuine progress in protecting the vulnerable in Pakistan.
