Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports of the actions of Rabia Bibi and the government of Pakistan in arresting a trafficking ring of Pakistani and Chinese nationals, what assessment they have made of the number of cases of faith targeted human trafficking; and what steps they are taking to ensure that this newly vulnerable community is being effectively supported through UK aid designated for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.

The UK Government’s approach to tackling modern slavery and trafficking in Pakistan is to reduce the permissive environment through community based activities, and to strengthen the legislative framework for more effective prevention and control. We have not made an assessment of the number of cases of faith targeted human trafficking, however the UK Government is currently working on a range of projects aimed at minimising the incidence of modern slavery (including trafficking) in Pakistan. DFID and the Home Office have also commissioned a study which will look at modern slavery and trafficking specifically. A second study on women and trafficking is planned in 2020.