Global Governance on The Responses Toward Illegal Organ Transplantation and Trafficking in Pakistan
Abstract
Illegal organ trafficking is a complex transnational criminal issue faced by Pakistan. The process of globalization, coupled with various socio-political and economic problems, has created the preconditions for the rapid growth of human organ trafficking in several regions in Pakistan. Consequently, the number of cases and victims of illegal organ transplantation and trafficking in Pakistan continues to rise. This study aims to analytically describe several efforts to combat the existence of illegal organ trafficking criminal networks in Pakistan within a global governance framework. The efforts involve not only strengthening Pakistani government policies but also implementing international cooperation and initiatives from civil society organizations and networks. In examining the global governance aspects of addressing transnational illegal organ trafficking in Pakistan, this study employs a descriptive qualitative method by using a literature review technique. The initial research revealed that the Pakistani government has taken various measures to eradicate illegal organ trafficking criminal networks in Pakistan. One of which is the creation of specific national legal regulations, which become the basis for strengthening preventive policies and intensifying prosecution actions. Internationally, Pakistan actively participates in a series of international anti-human trafficking and anti-organ trafficking frameworks and protocols. Meanwhile, the role of civil society organizations, particularly from medical professionals such as the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT Pakistan), cannot be ignored in the advocacy and legislative processes to address the threat of transnational human organ trafficking in Pakistan.
Keywords: Pakistan, Transplantation, Organ Trafficking, THOTA.
References
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Asghar, R. S., Saleem, J., Javaid, U., Zahoor, M., & Aziz, F. (2025). Ten-Year Review of Renal Transplants in Punjab Province, Pakistan. EMHJ, 31(3), 191-199.
Bile, K. H., Qureshi, J. R., Rizvi, S. A., Naqvi, S. A., Usmani, A. Q., & Lashari, K. A. (2010). Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation in Pakistan: When a Regulation Makes a Difference. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 16, 159-166.
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DAWN. (2018). “SIUT’s transplant operating theatre complex opened.” Accessed from https://www.dawn.com/news/1392772.
DAWN. (2023). “Rogue Doctor arrest a test case for law enforcement.” Accessed from https://www.dawn.com/news/1779050.
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DAWN. (2025b). “Pakistan and Bahrain pledge to boost counterterrorism cooperation and anti-human trafficking.” Accessed from https://www.dawn.com/news/1923712.
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Erina, R. (2023). “Polisi Pakistan Bongkar Jaringan Penjual Ginjal, Delapan Tersangka Diamankan.” RMol.id. Accessed from https://rmol.id/dunia/read/2023/10/04/591691/polisi-pakistan-bongkar-jaringan-penjual-ginjal-delapan-tersangka-diamankan.
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Idrees, R. Q., Imran, M., & Manzoor, S. (2023). Human organ trafficking and transplantation: A Legal Analysis of Causes, Challenges, and Implementation of Existing Laws in Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 5(2), 2710-3137.
Islam, M. M., Webb, B., Palais, R., & Kuddus, R. H. (2020). Assessing the Potential Impact of the Declaration of Istanbul 2008 on Internet Reporting of Human Organ Transplantation-Related Crimes Using Interrupted Time Series Analysis and Meta-Analysis Approaches. Transplantation Proceedings, 52(1), 12–19.
Kaifee, Sib. (2019). “UAE says it will sign an agreement with Pakistan to partner against human trafficking.” Arab News. Accessed from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1475961/pakistan.
Khan, S. & Siddique, R. (2024). Towards improving the prognosis of stroke through targeting the circadian clock system. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 20(2), 403-413.
Khan, M. S. (2018). Organ Transplantation, Ethics, and Role of Medical Community and Media. Pakistan Journal of Public Health, 8(2), 61-62.
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Punjab Law. (2010). “Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2010.” Accessed from http://punjablaws.gov.pk/laws/2428a.html.
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UNODC. (2023). “Joining Forces: UNODC Hosts Workshop to Promote Collaboration among Criminal Justice, Health Officials, and Civil Society to Counter Human Trafficking for Organ Removal.” Accessed from https://www.unodc.org/copak/en/Stories/SP1/joining-forces_-unodc-hosts-workshop-to-promote-collaboration-among-criminal-justice--health-officials--and-civil-society-to-counter-human-trafficking-for-organ-removal.html.
UNODC. (2024). “Explainer: Understanding Human Trafficking for Organ Removal.” Accessed from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2024/June/explainer_-understanding-human-trafficking-for-organ-removal.html.
United States Department of State. (2024). “Trafficking in Persons for Organ Removal.” Accessed from https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24-02934-TIP_Factsheet-Forced-Organ-Removal_Accessible-8.22.20224.pdf.
Vintari, L. (2023). “Organ Trafficking: Case Studies and Evidence from Nepal and Pakistan.” Accessed from https://www.ie-ei.eu/Ressources/FCK/image/Theses/2023/Vintari_GEGPA_Thesis_2023.pdf.
Weiss, T. G., & Wilkinson, R. (2021). “Making Sense of Global Governance Future” in Global Governance Future. London: Routledge.
Walsh, Declan. (2005). “Transplant tourists flock to Pakistan, poverty and lack of regulation fuel trade in human organs.” The Guardian. Accessed from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/feb/10/pakistan.declanwalsh.
Yousaf, F. N., & Purkayastha, B. (2016). The Social World of Organ Trafficking, Transplantation, and Policies. Journal of Public Health Policy, 37(2), 190-199.
Published
2025-11-27
How to Cite
NUMADI, Katong Ragawi; MAHARANI, Ni Putu Devi.
Global Governance on The Responses Toward Illegal Organ Transplantation and Trafficking in Pakistan.
Insignia: Journal of International Relations, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 2, p. 114-132, nov. 2025.
ISSN 2597-9868.
Available at: <https://jos.unsoed.ac.id/index.php/insignia/article/view/17085>. Date accessed: 01 dec. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.20884/1.ins.2025.12.2.17085.
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