ISLAMABAD: In a significant milestone for border security and the fight against human smuggling, the EU-supported project “Integrated Border Management in Silk Routes countries” has successfully trained 500 officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in identifying and curbing human smuggling.
Commenced in 2019, this pivotal training program was conducted in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The programme has resulted in the development of localized training manuals to equip officers with the skills to deal with the movement of people using forged and fake documents.
The “Integrated Border Management Training Conference,” held in Islamabad, brought together experts and stakeholders to emphasize the critical importance of cooperation between the European Union and Pakistan in training initiatives related to Integrated Border Management and adjacent law enforcement agencies.
Speakers at the conference highlighted that human smuggling and human trafficking are often interconnected with other criminal activities such as narcotics trade, arms smuggling, and the movement of terrorists. They stressed the need to establish a broader platform for all stakeholders to combat these crimes collectively, drawing from their shared experiences.
Mr. Philipp Gross, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Pakistan, underscored the significance of the EU-Pakistan partnership in addressing migration challenges. He mentioned the 2020 New Pact on Migration and Asylum’s vision for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and Pakistan, aiming to curb illegal migration while enhancing legal migration pathways.
During the conference, 21 FIA master trainers, equipped by ICMPD, shared their experiences in delivering training sessions to their colleagues on crucial topics such as document security, behavioral analysis, and leadership. ICMPD also handed over three manuals on training-related topics, which will play a vital role in the FIA’s continuous training programs.
Director General of the FIA, Mr. Mohsin Hassan Butt, emphasized the pivotal role of education in preventing irregular migration and border-related crimes. He highlighted that the strategy is a collaborative effort involving the FIA Academy, the FIA Immigration Wing, and international partners. The FIA’s master trainers will provide on-the-job training to their colleagues, transferring the knowledge gained from international trainers to address the gap created by the transfer of trained officers to other postings.
Beyond training, international donors are providing modern equipment and investing in the required infrastructure to combat human smuggling and illegal border movements effectively. This comprehensive approach extends beyond the FIA to include officers from Pakistan Customs, the Anti-Narcotics Force, and other relevant departments.
Ms. Raana Rahim, ICMPD Head of Office, underscored the tangible impact of international partners’ efforts in enhancing the FIA’s performance in combating human trafficking.
The EU-supported project, “Integrated Border Management in Silk Routes countries,” aims to strengthen the capacity of state authorities to combat irregular migration, promote safe migration, and enhance trade and prosperity across borders. This project is a significant step toward bolstering border management systems in the Silk Routes region, including Pakistan, and curbing the illicit activities associated with human smuggling.
