Pakistan urges global action as AI reshapes crime threats

Abu Dhabi: At the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan has urged global action amidst the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on cross-border crime. Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan's envoy to the UAE, made the plea during his national statement, advocating for enhanced international cooperation and assistance for developing nations.

The congress, in session from September 26 to October 1, serves as a major UN platform for governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and experts to address emerging crime threats and bolster justice systems.

Khan emphasized the rapid evolution of the global crime landscape, attributing it to factors such as socioeconomic inequality, underdevelopment, and the misuse of digital and AI technologies. He stressed the necessity of responsible development and use of emerging technologies while ensuring developing countries do not lag behind in acquiring requisite tools and expertise to combat sophisticated crime.

Khan called for stronger international cooperation, national capacity-building, technical assistance, and technology transfer to developing nations.

The ambassador also drew a connection between crime prevention and sustainable development, emphasizing the mutually reinforcing relationship between development and the rule of law. Turning to organized crime, Khan reiterated Pakistan's commitment to combating transnational organized crime and the global drug problem, citing Pakistan's counter-narcotics operations, significant drug seizures, and its status as a poppy-free country.

He raised concerns over potential opium cultivation expansion and synthetic drug production, as well as narcotics trafficking's ties to terrorism, warning of their implications for regional security. Khan advocated for heightened international action against corruption, money laundering, and illicit financial flows, stressing the need to strengthen asset recovery mechanisms and prevent criminals from escaping with their ill-gotten gains.

Addressing human trafficking, Khan reiterated Pakistan's dedication to combating this issue and migrant smuggling. He proposed that providing safe, regular, and affordable migration pathways could aid in combating these crimes by diminishing the reliance on dangerous irregular routes. Khan also addressed Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia, urging measures to curb hate speech, fortify legal protections for victims of Islamophobia, and promote mutual understanding and respect.

He congratulated the UAE for hosting the congress and applauded the arrangements for the international gathering.