Over the past year, Pakistanis lodged 28,000 asylum applications in the EU Plus countries, according to a report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). Applications peaked in October 2022 with 3,400 submissions but fell to 1,900 in October 2023.
Italy Tops as Main Destination
Italy received the highest number of applications from Pakistanis, followed by France, Greece, and Germany. Despite the large number of applications, only 12% of Pakistani applicants were granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.
By the end of October 2023, 34,000 asylum decisions were still pending at the first instance.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Concerns
The report highlights Pakistan’s significant vulnerability to modern slavery, with an estimated 2.4 million people subjected to forced labour or forced marriage. The country is located on a major human trafficking route, including trade in human organs.
While laws exist to combat trafficking, their enforcement has been hindered by a fragile democracy, corruption, and complicity of state officials, creating a culture of impunity.
Debt-Bondage Remains a Major Issue
Bonded labour, or debt-bondage, remains Pakistan’s most significant human trafficking issue, affecting an estimated 3 to 4.5 million people. The practice involves giving “Peshgi” (advance loans) to labourers, with repayment rendered nearly impossible due to exploitative practices and high interest rates. Weak law enforcement has failed to protect victims effectively.
Increased Violence and Insurgency
The report notes escalating violence in Pakistan since October 2022, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) have intensified their insurgent activities. The ISKP has also leveraged artificial intelligence to amplify its propaganda.
Afghan Refugees Face Hostility
As of September 2023, Pakistan hosted over three million Afghan refugees. However, the government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) has led to the return of 738,583 Afghans and created an increasingly hostile environment for those remaining. Reports indicate arrests, harassment, and deteriorating living conditions for Afghan refugees.
Political and Security Challenges
The EUAA report sheds light on the political and security landscape in Pakistan, emphasizing the role of insurgent groups, the judiciary, and governance challenges in shaping the country’s current state. It also underscores the need for robust legal enforcement to address trafficking and violence.
