Pakistan has called for stronger international cooperation and greater support for developing countries to address emerging forms of crime, as the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice continues in Abu Dhabi.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates Shafqat Ali Khan delivered Pakistan’s national statement at the congress, which is being held from September 26 to October 1, according to the Embassy of Pakistan.
Ambassador Khan congratulated the United Arab Emirates on hosting the congress and praised the country’s arrangements and hospitality.
Addressing the changing global crime landscape, Khan said socio-economic inequalities, underdevelopment and the misuse of digital and artificial intelligence technologies were creating new challenges for crime prevention and criminal justice.
He called for renewed efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing what he described as the close relationship between sustainable development and the rule of law.
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Pakistan also called for stronger international cooperation, national capacity-building and meaningful technical assistance and technology transfer for developing countries.
Khan emphasised the need for the safe, secure and responsible development and use of emerging technologies as digital tools increasingly shape crime and criminal justice systems.
The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime and the global drug problem. He highlighted the country’s counter-narcotics efforts, including major drug seizures and what he described as Pakistan’s poppy-free status.
Khan also expressed concern over the possible expansion of opium cultivation and synthetic drug production in Afghanistan. He warned of the growing links between narcotics trafficking and terrorism and their potential implications for regional security.
Pakistan further called for stronger international measures against corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows. Khan stressed the importance of effective asset recovery mechanisms and efforts to prevent criminals from finding safe havens.
On human trafficking and migrant smuggling, Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating both crimes. He also said safe, regular and affordable migration pathways could contribute to addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration.
The ambassador also expressed concern over rising incidents of Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia. He called for credible measures against hate speech, stronger legal protection for victims of Islamophobia and greater efforts to promote mutual understanding and respect.
The 15th UN Crime Congress is the United Nations’ principal global forum on crime prevention and criminal justice. UNODC documents state that the congress focuses on accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law while addressing new and evolving forms of crime and the responsible use of technology.
Pakistan is also a member of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for the term ending in December 2027, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
