National
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) holds a crucial mandate in enforcing laws related to immigration, passports, and border control across Pakistan including cases involving the cross-border movement of trafficked children. The FIA’s Anti Human Trafficking and Smuggling (AHTS) Wing, a specialized unit within the agency, spearheads efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling crimes. Through its dedicated personnel and resources, the AHTS Wing conducts inquiries, investigations, and prosecutions of immigration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling crimes at Anti Human Trafficking Cells (AHTCs) within Islamabad and nationwide. Moreover, the AHTS Wing disseminates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and guidelines on human trafficking and migrant smuggling to AHTCs and contributes significantly to efforts aimed at dismantling transnational trafficking networks, ensuring the protection and welfare of trafficked children, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Ministry of Human Rights
The Ministry of Human Rights holds a vital mandate in promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, including children, across Pakistan. Tasked with formulating policies, strategies, the Ministry collaborates with relevant law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders at federal and provincial level to develop national policy frameworks and action plans, and advocate for adoption of international legal standards and protocols aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of trafficked children.
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has a coordinating role in labor policy matters, fostering collaboration between provinces to address various labor-related issues, including the eradication of bonded and forced labor and compliance with international labor standards and commitments.
National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)
The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) plays a pivotal role in the institutional framework for addressing child trafficking across Pakistan. With a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection, and fulfillment of child rights, the NCRC’s primary functions and powers include conducting inquiries into allegations of child rights abuses, reviewing existing and proposed legislation from a child rights perspective, and advising on policy matters pertaining to the situation of child rights in Pakistan. In the context of child trafficking, the NCRC actively contributes to awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives aimed at preventing and protecting children from trafficking. Through its research and advisory role, the NCRC provides valuable insights and recommendations to government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on strategies to combat child trafficking effectively. Additionally, the NCRC works to monitor the implementation of laws and policies related to child trafficking, advocating for their effective enforcement and the allocation of resources to support trafficking victims.
Islamabad Capital Territory
Islamabad Police
The Islamabad Police has a major responsibility of maintaining law and order within the capital territory. Specifically, they play a pivotal role in preventing, detecting, and investigating crimes, including cases of human trafficking and exploitation of children. In the context of child trafficking, duties of Islamabad Police encompass conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and collaborating with other relevant agencies to ensure the swift and effective prosecution of individuals engaged in trafficking children for various exploitative purposes.
Child Protection Institute
The Child Protection Institute (CPI) operates as a specialized agency within Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children, including those at risk of trafficking and exploitation. Established under the ICT Child Protection Act of 2018, CPI offers a range of essential protection services and preventing further victimization. CPI’s core functions include providing temporary shelter, rehabilitation, reunification, and referral services for trafficked children.
Labor Welfare Department, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration
The Labor Welfare Department, operating under the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, plays a pivotal role in overseeing and enforcing labor laws and regulations within the territory, including those aimed at eradicating child labor and bonded labor. Tasked with ensuring compliance with various labor statutes, the department conducts inspections of factories, shops, and commercial establishments to detect and address cases of child labor and other labor-related violations. Additionally, the department is responsible for registering and regulating workplaces, adjudicating wage-related disputes, and referring cases involving child labor to relevant authorities for further action. The department advocates for the enforcement of labor laws and promoting fair and just labor practices, and eradicating child trafficking for the purpose for labour exploitation within ICT.
Balochistan
Balochistan Child Protection Commission
The Balochistan Child Protection Commission serves as a pivotal advisory, coordinating, and monitoring body for matters concerning child protection within the province. Endowed with various powers and functions, the commission is tasked with developing and implementing policies, programs, and services aimed at preventing and addressing various forms of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect, including child trafficking. Its responsibilities include receiving complaints and reports of child abuse, conducting thorough investigations, and ensuring appropriate assistance and support for children who are victims of such abuses. Through its advocacy efforts, the commission raises awareness about child protection issues, fosters collaboration among relevant stakeholders, and advocates for child-friendly policies and legislation at all levels of government. Additionally, the commission plays a crucial role in monitoring compliance with international treaties concerning child rights and protection within Balochistan, contributing to the overall well-being of children in the province.
Balochistan Police
The Balochistan Police serves as the primary law enforcement agency in the province, entrusted with maintaining public safety, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring justice for all citizens. In the context of child trafficking, the police play a critical role in addressing criminal activities such as human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation of children. Tasked with enforcing laws and regulations related to child protection, the police conduct investigations, gather evidence, and apprehend perpetrators involved in trafficking children for various exploitative purposes.
Labor & Manpower Department
The Balochistan Labor and Manpower Department hold a mandate to oversee and regulate labor-related matters within the province, including child labor and bonded labor. Its functions encompass a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring fair labor practices, promoting employment opportunities, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, including children. The department is responsible for formulating and implementing labor policies and legislation, conducting inspections to enforce labor laws, and addressing grievances related to employment conditions. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating skill development and vocational training initiatives to enhance the employability of the workforce. Moreover, the department is tasked with promoting occupational health and safety standards and providing support services to workers, including assistance with labor disputes and compensation claims. Through its efforts, the department contributes to the eradication of child labor and the protection of children from exploitation within Balochistan.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission
The KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are committed to a wide range of functions aimed at protecting children’s rights and well-being. Through its Child Protection Units and Child Protection Officer, the Commission provides support, counseling, and legal assistance to victims of abuse and exploitation, including those affected by child trafficking. KPCPWC conducts awareness programs and workshops to educate the community about child protection issues and coordinates capacity-building efforts to enhance the skills of professionals and stakeholders in the field. It also advocates for child-friendly policies and legislation at all levels of government and operates platforms for reporting complaints and a helpline, 1121, for individuals seeking assistance and redressal. By actively engaging in prevention, response, and rehabilitation efforts, KPCPWC works towards ensuring the protection and well-being of children in KP, including those vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
KP Police
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police is the primary law enforcement agency in the province, tasked with maintaining public safety, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring justice for all citizens, including children. In the context of child trafficking, the KP Police plays an important role in addressing criminal activities such as internal human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation of children. Tasked with enforcing laws and regulations related to cruelty, child protection and labor exploitation, the police conduct investigations, gather evidence, and apprehend perpetrators involved in trafficking children for various exploitative purposes.
Labor Department
The Labor Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds a mandate as the custodian of workers’ guaranteed rights. Its responsibilities also include conducting inspections to enforce labour laws and addressing grievances related to employment conditions, and plays a leading role in the fight against bonded or forced labour by implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent its occurrence, detect cases, and ensure the protection and rehabilitation of victims. Additionally, the Labour Department conducts awareness campaigns targeting workers, employers, and other stakeholders to educate them on labour issues, labour laws, and contemporary concerns. Moreover, the department plays a pivotal role in promoting skill development and vocational training initiatives to enhance the employability of the workforce.
Punjab
Child Protection & Welfare Bureau
The Child Protection & Welfare Bureau (CP&WB) in Punjab province serves as a vital institution dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children, including those vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Established under the Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children’s Act 2004, CP&WB operates under the administrative control of the Home Department and provides a range of services to support children in need. This includes care, rehabilitation, education, and training for destitute and neglected children, including those at risk of trafficking such as children involved in begging, at risk of labour exploitation and is being or is likely to be abused or exploited for immoral or illegal purpose. CP&WB operates Child Protection Institutions and Open Reception Centers across Punjab, offering shelter, healthcare, counseling, and educational opportunities to children affected by exploitation and abuse. Additionally, CP&WB runs a Children’s Helpline (1121) for reporting and addressing child protection concerns.
Punjab Police
The Punjab Police is tasked with maintaining public safety, preventing and investigating crimes, and deals with criminal activities such as internal child trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Punjab Police investigates, collect evidence and arrest perpetrators involved in trafficking of children for various exploitative purposes.
Labor Department
The Labor Department of Punjab holds a mandate to enforce labor laws and regulations within the province, including those aimed at preventing and eliminating child labor and forced labor. Tasked with ensuring compliance with international labor standards, the Labour Department conducts inspections, enforces labor laws, and addresses grievances related to employment conditions. In the context of child trafficking, the Labour Department plays a critical role in identifying and addressing instances of forced child labor, supporting victim rehabilitation, and promoting fair and just labor practices.
Human Rights Department
The Human Rights Department in Punjab province has an important role in promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations, including children affected by trafficking and exploitation. Tasked with monitoring, investigating, and addressing human rights violations, the Human Rights Department works to ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld and respected. The department can conduct inquiries, provide assistance to victims, and advocate for policy and legislative reforms to strengthen protections against exploitation and abuse.
Sindh
Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA)
The Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) operates with a comprehensive mandate to ensure the protection of children throughout the province of Sindh. Central to its mandate is the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies and laws pertaining to child protection. The Authority oversees a range of functions, with a focus on prevention, response, and rehabilitation of children vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. SCPA operates a helpline (1121) dedicated to addressing cases of child protection violations, including economic exploitation of children. Moreover, it actively engages in child protection monitoring, case management, and referrals, working to reunify missing, separated, and unaccompanied children with their families. The SCPA has also established Child Protection Units across the province.
Sindh Police
The Sindh Police is entrusted with the task of safeguarding public safety, maintaining law and order, and administering justice throughout the province of Sindh. The police handle cases related to child trafficking, investigating criminal activities such as human trafficking, forced labor, and commercial sexual exploitation of children. In such cases, the police conduct investigations, gather evidence, and apprehend perpetrators for prosecution under relevant criminal laws. Sindh Police operates a vital helpline, Madadgar 15, offering swift redressal for various complaints, including those concerning missing persons and complaints related to children and women.
Labor Department
The Labor Department of Sindh is tasked with promoting fair labor practices, enforcing labor laws, and protecting the rights and welfare of workers, including children vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. In the context of child trafficking, the Labor Department has a role to identify and combating cases of forced child labor, supporting the rehabilitation of victims and promoting fair and equitable labor practices. It also addresses grievances related to employment conditions and works to raise awareness about labor rights and responsibilities.
Sindh Human Rights Commission
The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) was established to promote and protect human rights in the province of Sindh. The commission has the authority to inquire into human rights violations, including child rights violations, and to recommend remedial measures to address such violations. The SHRC conducts inquiries, investigations, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the issue and promote accountability for perpetrators. Additionally, the commission may collaborate with other government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen prevention, protection, and support mechanisms for children at risk of trafficking and exploitation.