A Pakistani law enforcement officer, Zaheer Ahmed, has been presented with the prestigious Trafficking in Persons Hero award by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The annual award, which was given at a ceremony held in Washington on Friday, brings international attention to the fight against human trafficking. 

Officer Zaheer Ahmed was recognized for his efforts in guiding the government of Pakistan’s implementation of anti-trafficking in person’s reforms, leadership in capacity building, and training initiatives. 

These efforts are instrumental in Pakistan's promotion from TIP Tier 2 Watch list to Tier 2 in 2022.

Zaheer Ahmed is a former Director of the Federal Investigative Agency's Anti-Human Smuggling Unit and is passionate about stopping human trafficking in all its forms. 

Upon receiving the award, he expressed his gratitude saying that it is a testament to the resilience and strength of our teamwork.