Directive to set up Anti-Human Trafficking Cells in police by Feb 28

LAHORE:Member Provincial Assembly Uzma Kardar has presided over the inaugural meeting of Special Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling at the Punjab Assembly on Friday.

Key stakeholders, including government officials, police, FIA, civil society, and foreign delegates, discussed strategies to tackle human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. The committee directed the establishment of Anti-Human Trafficking Cells in police department by February 28, 2025 and urged district-level committees to convene monthly. MPA Uzma Kardar stressed the need for unified action to curb bonded labour, forced commercial exploitation and cross-border trafficking.

Deputy Commissioners from hotspot districts were asked to submit victim databases within a week, with family visits scheduled for early February. MPA Adnan Afzal Chattha highlighted Punjab government’s initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, focusing on youth empowerment and skill development to prevent exploitation. The meeting concluded with a commitment to sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.

UN Women Pakistan delegation visits PSCA

UN Women Pakistan delegation visited the PSCA headquarters here on Friday. According to details, the delegation included the Chief of Mission/Country representative of UN Women Pakistan along with other officials. The delegation was briefed by Managing Director M Ahsan Younas and COO Mustansar Feroze. The delegation was briefed about Pakistan's first Virtual Women Police Station, Child Safety Centre, and other departments. They were also briefed about the Operations and Monitoring Centre of the Safe City. The delegation was informed about the advanced features of the 15 emergency helpline system and the modern artificial intelligence-based system. A detailed briefing was given on AI-based traffic violations and software for identifying weapons. Managing Director Ahsan Younis stated that Smart Safe City Projects are being set up in 18 more districts of Punjab, and very soon, Smart Safe City Projects will be completed across all of Punjab.