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U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Pakistan

Pakistan (Tier 3)

Pakistan is a source, transit, and destination country for an increasing number of trafficked persons. Women and children are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and domestic servitude to the Middle East. Pakistan is a source country for young boys who are kidnapped or bought and sent to work as camel jockeys in the Gulf States. Women and children are trafficked from East Asian countries and Bangladesh through Pakistan to the Middle East. Pakistan serves as a destination point for women who are trafficked from Bangladesh, Burma, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian States. There also is evidence of trafficking within Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan does not yet fully meet the minimum standards and the Government has not yet made significant efforts to combat trafficking, due to pervasive corruption, lack of information and data on the problem, and a severe lack of resources. The Constitution prohibits slavery and forced labor, and asserts the inviolability of dignity of man and the equality of all citizens; however, current domestic law does not specifically address the issue of trafficking in persons. The Hudood ordinances criminalize extramarital sexual relations and place a burden on female rape victims because testimony of female victims and witnesses carry no legal weight. If a woman brings charges of rape to court and the case cannot be proved, the court automatically takes the rapes victim's allegations as confession of her own complicity and acknowledgment of consensual adultery. These laws discourage trafficking victims from bringing forward charges, and many trafficking victims are detained, jailed, and prosecuted for violations of Hudood ordinances and illegal status. The Government does not provide direct assistance to victims but does provide legal assistance and funding for NGO's that assist victims.

Topics: Trafficking in persons,