Shattered Dreams and Living Nightmares A Report on Trafficking in Women and Children in Pakistan,

Awan Z. and Brohi N.
Prepared for ActionAid Pakistan, 2000

Chapters: 1. Introduction to the issue, 2. Definition of trafficking, 3 the legal implications, 4. Travails of trafficking, 5. Case studies, 6. Ground for policy framework, 7. Role of donors and NGOs.

This is a comprehensive overview of the situation in Pakistan with regard to trafficking in women and children. In order to maintain a holistic approach it sketches the scene on a broad canvas and then focuses on points of concern within the country while recognizing the involvement of more than one national jurisdiction. It brings to light the lacunae of dearth of research and printed material available on this issue. It further strives to present the gravity and complexity of the problem in Pakistan, which needs to be addressed at various levels. Pakistan is not only a recruiting ground for those who are transported within the country as well as to UAE, but in fact it is also a recipient as well as a transit country. This paper presents various definitions of trafficking used at different forums and supports the definition of the SAARC convention. It then mentions the socio cultural factors that contribute to this problem of trafficking in women and children and further highlights the legal implications. It then follows the journey of trafficking highlighting the woes and travails of the victims including case studies. This report further levels the ground for policy framework and suggests a role for both the donor agencies as well as NGOs.

Key words: Trafficking, transit, recipient, recruiting, Hudood Law, SAARC Convention.