According to a report released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on Wednesday, Pakistanis filed 28,000 applications for international protection in EU Plus countries last year. The report highlights a decline in asylum applications compared to October 2022, when applications peaked at 3,400. The number dropped to 1,900 in October 2023. Italy emerged as the primary destination for Pakistani refugees, followed by France, Greece, and Germany.

Political and security challenges increased in PAK, in the last year 28 thousands Pakistanis sought refuge in the EU

EU Plus countries issued nearly 20,000 decisions on these applications, with only 12 percent of applicants being granted refugee status or subsidiary protection. Meanwhile, about 34,000 applications remain pending until October 2023.

Political and security challenges

The EUAA report provides a comprehensive analysis of Pakistan's political and security scenario, examining the role of key actors, the influence of the judiciary, and the treatment of vulnerable groups. It also highlights Pakistan's challenges with Afghan refugees and its status as a smuggling hub.

Violence has increased in Pakistan since October 2022, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Insurgent groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have intensified their activities, while the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has also increased its operations, even using AI for propaganda.

Human trafficking and bonded labor

The report highlights Pakistan's vulnerabilities to modern slavery, including forced labor, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Pakistan is a major transit point for human trafficking, including organ trade. Despite anti-trafficking laws, weak enforcement, corruption, and complicity of state officials have hampered efforts to combat these crimes.

Bonded labor, or debt bondage, remains the country’s most serious trafficking issue, affecting an estimated 3 to 4.5 million people. Exploitative practices such as high-interest loans, known as advances or begar, make repayment nearly impossible for victims, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. Poor enforcement of laws has left authorities struggling to protect individuals.

Afghan refugee crisis

Pakistan currently hosts more than three million Afghan refugees. The government's Illegal Foreigner Reversion Scheme (IFRP) has led to the return of around 738,000 Afghans, with reports of arrests, harassment, and an increasingly hostile environment for the Afghan community.

The report highlights Pakistan's multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need for strong governance, law enforcement and international cooperation to effectively address issues such as security, migration and human trafficking.