PM forms task force to rein in human traffickers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday formed a special task force, which he will lead, to combat human trafficking syndicates operating in the country, as he vowed perpetrators involved in human smuggling to be brought to justice.

The prime minister chaired a review meeting regarding steps to curb human trafficking. The meeting was informed that six organised human trafficking groups had been identified, 12 FIRs filed, 25 individuals identified, three key suspects arrested, and the names of 16 individuals had been added to passport control list.

Calling for expediting the pace of arrests of those involved in human trafficking, the prime minister directed all the relevant departments including the foreign ministry to play their active role in identifying human smugglers.

He expressed deep sorrow, stating that the entire nation, including himself, was deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Pakistanis in the boat carrying illegal immigrants.

The prime minister was briefed on the groups involved in the deaths of Pakistanis in the boat incident, arrests made by various institutions in Pakistan, FIRs filed, and the future course of action.

The meeting was also briefed on the seizure of vehicles, bank accounts, and assets. The meeting was also updated on the actions taken against suspected FIA personnel and officers.

The meeting was also informed about a report from the overseas investigative committee. The prime minister instructed that the human trafficking groups should be identified and exemplary punishment should be given to them.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised on Friday that the incumbent government was committed to equipping the youth with modern skills in line with global market’s demands.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Vice Chancellor of the University of London Wendy Thomson, who called on him here, said Pakistan’s youth were capable of proving their mettle in all fields of life and bringing laurels to the country.

He told the visiting dignitary that the Pakistani nationals were serving the international market having graduated from the University of London and other globally renowned institutions.

He said the government had introduced various programs, including merit-based foreign scholarships and employment, and was also formulating new strategies in that regard.

Wendy Thomson appreciated Shehbaz Sharif for the recent initiatives taken by his government to promote education in the country. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officers attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to advance an education system that embraces the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) while safeguarding the essence of human creativity, compassion, and purpose.

The prime minister, in his message to the nation on International Day of Education annually observed on January 24, acknowledged the educators, advocates, and partners working tirelessly to illuminate lives with the light of knowledge.

“On this International Day of Education, we reflect on the profound role education plays in empowering individuals and communities to navigate the rapid advancements of technology.

“Together, let us continue to champion this noble cause and ensure that education remains a beacon of hope for generations to come,” he remarked.

He said this year’s theme, AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation, was a reminder of the need to ensure that progress in artificial intelligence complements our shared humanity.”

The prime minister said as AI-driven systems are increasingly integrated into our lives, the boundaries between human intervention and machine-driven actions continue to blur. This presents both opportunities and challenges, raising the critical question of how we can uphold and enhance human agency amidst the growing tide of automation, he added.

“In Pakistan, we recognise the transformative power of education in preparing our youth to thrive in the evolving technological landscape. By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, we aim to equip our citizens with the tools not only to adapt to technological changes but to shape them in ways that uphold our values, protect our freedoms, and advance our society,” the prime minister remarked.

He highlighted that the government had taken significant steps to prepare the country’s educational institutions to embrace technological advancements.

These initiatives include the establishment of High-Impact IT Labs in ICT degree colleges, Digital Hubs in rural ICT schools, the Google Center of Excellence, SMART Classrooms, and the E-Taleem Portal for blended learning.

Additionally, he said the government had also introduced E-Rozgar Centers, Software Technology Parks, Robotics and Mind Games programs, and STEAM Labs to foster innovation. It is imperative that Pakistan’s schools are equipped with the latest technologies to equip children with the requisite skills, he added.