Blog: IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Building Stronger Communities: Combatting Human Trafficking through Collaborative Efforts, Part II  

Muhammad Shahid Khan is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for his project Orientation of Law Enforcement to Victim Centered Approach in Combatting Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Pakistan. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community impact. 

Addressing the Gap 

In September 2022, during my International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) visit to Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to meet with law enforcement officials from various counties. I observed firsthand their strategies and efforts in combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in the United States. This experience profoundly inspired me to collaborate closely with law enforcement officials in Pakistan to enhance their capacity within the legal framework to combat TIP. In Pakistan, the responsibility for combating TIP, particularly within the country's borders, falls under the jurisdiction of the police. However, many police officers were unaware of this mandate and lacked the necessary training to implement it effectively.  Determined to address this gap, I initiated capacity-building programs for police officials in six remote districts of South Punjab and interior Sindh provinces. By equipping these officers with the knowledge and skills needed to enforce the legal provisions against TIP, we significantly improved the effectiveness of our efforts to combat human trafficking within Pakistan. 

Commitment to Combating Human Trafficking  

Throughout the project, I successfully conducted six one-day training sessions in the districts of Muzaffargarh, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab, as well as Sukkur and Mirpur Khas in Sindh. These sessions were attended by approximately 125-130 Investigation Officers, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Inspectors, Sub-inspectors, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors. The active participation and engagement of these officers in the training sessions are accomplishments I am particularly proud of, as it reflects their commitment to combating human trafficking. One of the most significant outcomes of our efforts was the heightened awareness and understanding of the TIP Act among the police officers.  

Impact on Investigation Officers: 

• Increased comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities in combating human trafficking. This has led to more informed and proactive approaches in handling TIP cases. 

• Practical knowledge and skills in investigation techniques tailored to TIP cases. Officers reported feeling more confident in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting human trafficking cases. This has resulted in more efficient handling of TIP cases, with several officers successfully applying the techniques learned during the training in their ongoing investigations. More cases are being registered, investigated and prosecuted. 

• Stronger collaboration and networking among law enforcement officials across different districts. Officers shared experiences and strategies, fostering a supportive network that enhances their collective efforts in combating TIP. This collaboration is helpful for regular communication channels between districts, ensuring continuous support and information sharing. 

Implementation Challenges 

The biggest challenge I encountered while implementing the project was arranging capacity-building sessions for investigation officers stationed at police stations. These officers have busy schedules and there are no specialized officials within the police force to implement the TIP Act. This made it difficult to coordinate training sessions without disrupting critical duties. 

To overcome this challenge, my project employed a few strategies: 

• I worked closely with police departments to create a flexible training schedule that could accommodate the officers' shifts and responsibilities. This meant conducting sessions during off-peak hours or on days when the officers had fewer obligations. 

• To minimize the time officers spent away from their duties, I developed condensed training modules that covered essential aspects of the TIP Act and its implementation.  

Certainly, during the implementation process, I also faced some unexpected obstacles: 

• Some officers were resistant to the new training, either due to skepticism about its relevance or reluctance to change established practices. To mitigate this, we included testimonials and case studies from the United States, showcasing the success of similar initiatives. Additionally, we engaged senior police officials to endorse the training, emphasizing its importance and the positive impact it could have on their work. 

• In some remote districts, logistical issues such as transportation and communication barriers posed significant challenges. I addressed this by collaborating with the Sustainable Social Development Organization and local authorities to facilitate smoother logistics. 

Community and Stakeholder Collaboration 

I collaborated with the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), to successfully conduct training sessions. SSDO's established connections with the police department ensured the participation of investigation officers from different districts. Their credibility bolstered officer trust, crucial for effective training. This partnership expanded training to remote areas, enhancing project impact against human trafficking, demonstrating the importance of working with established organizations to achieve common goals. 

The increased knowledge and proactivity of trained police officers also raised awareness within the community, leading to more frequent reporting of suspicious activities and greater support for victims through local organizations and civil society groups. Overall, the project's ripple effects on the community can be viewed as creating a safer, more vigilant environment and demonstrating the importance of collective action in combating human trafficking. 

Muhammad Shahid Khan was a participant on the IVLP Project Countering Trafficking in Persons, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center. Learn more about his IVLP Impact Award project, Orientation of Law Enforcement to Victim Centered Approach in Combatting Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Pakistan on our website. 

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