ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP):The 12th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention against ‘Tran
snational Organized Crime’ (UNTOC) started in Vienna the other day.
Pakistan is being represented at the 12th COP by the Director Generals of FIA, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, and Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna.
The UNTOC is the main international instrument in the fight against tran
snational organized crime.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNTOC, held every two years, serv
es as a vital platform for member states to discuss and develop strategies to enhance cooperation in combating organized crime and to review progress made in implement
ing the Convention and its protocols.
Address
ing the 12th session, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to tackl
ing the challenges posed by tran
snational organized crime and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address its root causes.
DG FIA highlighted that the economic disparities, conflict, and a lack of opportunities create fertile ground for criminal enterprises. Therefore, promoting inclusive and sustainable development was crucial.
He called for international cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility, stress
ing the importance of strengthen
ing the capacities of developing countries in combating organized crimes such as money laundering, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
The DG FIA also underscored Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to counter various forms of organized crimes, particularly in tackling human trafficking and migrant smuggling. At the same time, he emphasized the necessity of expanding legal pathways for migration to address irregular migration.
Address
ing the critical issue of corruption and illicit financial flows, the DG FIA highlighted Pakistan’s legislative reforms aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
He called on the global community to expedite the return of stolen assets to developing countries to ensure that these ill-gotten resources are utilized for socio-economic development.
The DG (FIA) reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to working with the international community to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by tran
snational organized crime.
“United global effort is essential for achiev
ing the objectives of the UNTOC and ensuring a safer and more just world for all,” he emphasized.
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