Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, informed the National Assembly on Thursday that women and girls account for 70.6% of human trafficking victims, based on the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2023-24. Out of a total of 34,533 victims identified, 24,398 were women and girls, with the majority exploited for sexual purposes. Tarar added that of these victims, 24,341, or 70.4%, were trafficked for sexual exploitation.
During the Question-Hour session, Shahida Rehmani raised concerns about the gender-specific impact of human trafficking. Tarar responded by emphasizing that while all genders are susceptible to trafficking, women and girls are disproportionately affected, particularly in cases of sexual exploitation. Factors such as poverty, gender inequality, lack of education, and discrimination contribute to their increased vulnerability.
He highlighted the role of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in actively combatting human trafficking and welcomed any proposed legislative amendments aimed at strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. Tarar also underscored the provincial responsibility in addressing human trafficking, as it falls under the law and order category following the 18th Amendment. However, he noted that the National Apex Committee, comprising representatives from provincial governments and law enforcement agencies, plays a key role in overseeing the issue. He assured that the matter would be added to the committee’s agenda, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would intensify its awareness campaigns.
The National Assembly was further informed that traffickers exploit social and economic vulnerabilities, with certain regions and communities placing women and girls at higher risk. Although men and boys can also fall victim, particularly in cases of forced labor or criminal exploitation, trafficking remains a global issue affecting people of all identities.
Tarar reiterated that although data from 2017 is not available, the TIP Report 2023-24 revealed that 24,398 women and girls have been trafficked, making up a significant portion of the total 34,533 victims.
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