PM-led task force to curb trafficking

Shehbaz vows to equip youth with modern skills

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday formed a special task force to combat human trafficking syndicates operating in Pakistan. The task force will be led by the prime minister himself.

"We will bring the perpetrators involved in human trafficking to justice," the prime minister resolved while chairing a review meeting regarding steps to curb human trafficking in Pakistan.

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

The meeting was informed that six organized 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 the passport control list.

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. Besides it was also informed about the report from the overseas investigative committee.

The prime minister instructed to identify the human trafficking groups and exemplary punishment should be given to them.

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

PM on youth skills

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the incumbent government was resolved to equip the country's youth with modern skills to cope with the global market's demand.

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

Vice Chancellor Wendy Thomson appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz 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 relevant senior officers attended the meeting.

Azerbaijani Defence team

Minister of Defence Industry of Republic of Azerbaijan, Vugar Mustafayev called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Friday.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their shared commitment to strengthen and diversify relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.