'Downfall of miscreant group will catalyse relief for people:' PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said his government would accelerate efforts to provide relief to the public.

In a special meeting with Barrister Amjad Malik, Vice Chairperson of the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab and Chief Coordinator of International Affairs, the Prime Minister was congratulated for his tireless efforts towards the national economy and for restoring investor confidence, Express News reported.

Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Barrister Amjad Malik on taking up the position of Vice Chairperson of the Overseas Commission Punjab.

Prime minister also assured that the federal and provincial governments would work together to resolve the issues and welfare of overseas Pakistanis.

The Prime Minister emphasised, “Overseas Pakistanis are very dear to me, and the appointments in the Overseas Ministry, Overseas Pakistani Foundation, and Overseas Commission are proof that the PML-N government believes in working for and resolving the issues of Pakistanis living abroad.”

Barrister Amjad Malik said that OPF and OPC Punjab will collaborate to address the concerns of overseas Pakistanis.

He also congratulated the government for stimulating the economy and raising the stock exchange to new heights.

Malik added that if trials for the May 9 rioters had taken place promptly, the situation would have been different today.

He commended the Prime Minister and his team for pushing forward the legislation for a speedy trial court for expatriates and for lifting the ban on PIA’s direct flights to Europe.

Barrister Amjad Malik further stated, “We must work together to stop the interference of social media propaganda factories and fake news, in order to prevent panic, sensationalism, and the spread of hatred among the public.”

Moreover, PM Shehbaz Sharif has also ordered the formation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) to investigate and counter "a malicious campaign aimed at discrediting" Pakistan and its state institutions, especially security forces.

The 10-member task force will be led by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman.

The decision comes in the wake of a series of terrorist and destructive activities, followed by a widespread smear campaign using local and international media platforms.

The campaign involves disseminating baseless and provocative news, designed to portray state institutions as human rights violators.

According to sources, the campaign aims to destabilise law and order, exacerbate provincial and ethnic divisions, and achieve specific political objectives.

To sway foreign audiences, the perpetrators have reportedly used fabricated, violent images and content to depict severe human rights violations.

The 10-member team will include high-ranking officials from key government departments and security agencies. These include the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Cyber Crime Wing of the FIA, and representatives from intelligence agencies such as ISI and MI, alongside other officials with expertise in communication and law enforcement.

The prime minister has directed the JTF to submit its findings within 10 days and to ensure swift action against those implicated.

A senior government official, commenting on the initiative, stated that the state will use all available resources to safeguard its institutions and restore public confidence.

"This campaign is not just an attack on the state but also a calculated move to mislead the world and foster discord within our borders. The government is committed to ensuring that such malicious efforts do not succeed," the official said.