Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi)

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with financial support from the Government of Canada, has provided specialized equipment to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to further enhance Pakistan’s capacity to combat human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

The equipment handover ceremony was attended by Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tariq Ali Khan, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, and UNODC Representative in Pakistan Troels Vester.

The equipment provided to the FIA includes portable forensic kits for examining travel documents, analytical workstations, laptops, data storage systems, networking equipment, and office facilities. These resources will strengthen the agency’s investigative, analytical, and operational capabilities, enabling more effective investigations into complex cases of human trafficking and the illegal transportation of migrants.

This assistance is part of a UNODC program, funded by Canada since 2021, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s efforts against human trafficking and irregular migration. Under the program, the FIA is also receiving support in the form of specialized training, technical assistance, victim protection initiatives, public awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and the provision of operational equipment.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of Canada, UNODC, and the FIA reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation in preventing human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. Participants emphasized that Pakistan’s capacity would be further strengthened to protect vulnerable and exploited individuals, ensure access to justice, and take effective action against criminals.