The illicit trade and trafficking of firearms is a major challenge to peace, security, and the rule of law, fueling violence, organized crime, and cross-border conflicts. Pakistan ranks among the top countries in arms imports and civilian-held firearms—both legal and illicit—posing significant challenges to governance, law enforcement, and public safety. CFHR adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackling firearms trafficking, focusing on legal reforms, capacity building, and international collaboration to improve enforcement and regulation.
CFHR’s Legislative Gap Analysis on Firearms Trafficking has been instrumental in identifying regulatory gaps and proposing harmonization strategies to align Pakistan’s firearms laws with international standards.
In December 2024, CFHR co-chaired the Workshop on National Legislation of Firearms, a UNODC-led multi-stakeholder consultation in Islamabad, bringing together policymakers, enforcement agencies, and international experts to develop a coordinated response to firearms trafficking. The two-day workshop focused on opportunities to update Pakistan’s legislative framework on firearms and align it with international instruments. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from: National Police Bureau (NPB), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Arms Control & Disarmament Division), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law and Justice, National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Authority, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Punjab Forensic Science Agency, Provincial and Federal Police Agencies, Pakistan Customs, Ministry of Defence, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and other relevant stakeholders. Participants reviewed CFHR’s legislative gap analysis report and formulated key recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s firearms legislation in line with international best practices.
Report: Harmonization of Pakistan’s Legislative Framework on Firearms with the United Nations Firearms Protocol and complementing international and firearms control instruments
(Publication Pending)
CFHR has also conducted research and advocacy on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants.
