Pakistan has taken a major step to address migrant smuggling by launching its first-ever National Action Plan dedicated to tackling the crime.
For decades, Pakistan has been a key hub in global smuggling networks – serving as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants. Its location at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East and Europe has made it a major transit point for people attempting to reach Gulf countries or Europe.
Many travel overland through Iran and Türkiye toward the Western Balkans or take dangerous sea routes via Libya across the Central Mediterranean. Increasingly, routes through West Africa toward the Canary Islands are also being used. Pakistan is also a destination for migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Iraq.
The devastating human cost of these journeys was brought into sharp focus in June 2023, when the Adriana boat capsized off the coast of Greece, killing nearly 300 Pakistanis. The tragedy galvanized national efforts to confront migrant smuggling more decisively.
With support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Government of Pakistan has now adopted a framework to dismantle smuggling networks and better protect vulnerable migrants.
With this dedicated framework, Pakistan joins a small group of countries that have adopted a standalone national policy specifically targeting migrant smuggling. For the first time, the government has also developed separate action plans for migrant smuggling and human trafficking, recognizing them as distinct crimes that require tailored responses.
The National Action Plan is built around five interconnected pillars: strengthening laws and policies; enhancing the capacity of institutions to investigate and prosecute cases; improving prevention and protection for migrants; boosting regional and international cooperation; and strengthening monitoring and evaluation.
“The National Action Plan is our commitment to strengthen our national capacities and overall response to counter migrant smuggling. It is a clear pledge to protect our people and to dismantle the smuggling networks,” said Riffat Mukhtar Raja, Director General of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency.
Smuggling networks are increasingly sophisticated, relying on encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp and Signal to coordinate movements and payments. These methods make detection and prosecution more difficult for law enforcement.
To address this, the new plan prioritizes cybercrime investigations, digital forensics and financial investigations. It introduces mechanisms to trace illicit financial flows and seize criminal assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital wallets. The plan also calls for the creation of a dedicated Intelligence Unit within the FIA’s Anti-Human Smuggling Wing and the establishment of a digital forensic laboratory.
“Through the new Action Plan, we are driving the development of advanced capabilities in cybercrime, financial investigations and digital forensics—equipping law enforcement, prosecutors and the judiciary to respond decisively to migrant smuggling,” Mukhtar said.
Prevention, protection and safer bordersEconomic pressures such as poverty, unemployment and low wages across South Asia continue to push people toward dangerous smuggling routes. The plan addresses these underlying drivers while placing a strong emphasis on protecting migrants.
Public awareness campaigns will inform communities – especially in high-risk areas – about the dangers of irregular migration and promote safer, legal migration pathways. Service providers will also receive training to support vulnerable migrants, including assistance with protection and reintegration.
Border security measures are being strengthened as well. The plan calls for deeper integration of Pakistan’s Integrated Border Management System with airlines, enabling more systematic screening of passenger data and earlier identification of potential smuggling attempts.
Implementation and international cooperationTo ensure effective implementation, the government has established a Prime Minister–chaired Task Force, alongside a dedicated Sub-Committee on countering migrant smuggling. A National Task Force brings together key government agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Authority, while also engaging the private sector, particularly financial institutions, to help disrupt the financial lifelines of smuggling networks.
The plan further strengthens cooperation with regional and international partners, including INTERPOL, Europol and Frontex, through joint operations, intelligence-sharing and mutual legal assistance.
“The outcome of the Plan will be a clearer operational focus, while engaging not only the justice system but all relevant departments and civil society,” said Shahida Gillani, Programme Officer at UNODC.
UNODC’s support was delivered under the European Union-funded PROTECT initiative.
