Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered authorities to step up action against human traffickers and their facilitators, instructing officials to make them “examples for others.”
During a high-level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its recent actions against government officials involved in facilitating human trafficking networks.
He stressed the need for swift legal measures to seize traffickers’ assets and hold them accountable.
“Strict legal action must be taken against all human trafficking groups operating in the country so that they become a warning to others,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
He urged the Ministry of Law and Justice to involve top-level prosecutors to strengthen cases against traffickers and ensure effective legal procedures.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of External Affairs to contact its international counterparts for the extradition of Pakistani nationals running smuggling operations from abroad.
In a bid to curb illegal migration, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for a nationwide awareness campaign, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to promote the use of legal avenues to seek employment abroad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the importance of upgrading technical training institutes to produce certified professionals aligned with the demands of the global market. In addition, he ordered authorities to improve control protocols at airports for those traveling abroad.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Kashmir Affairs Minister and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Maqam and senior representatives of relevant agencies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pays tribute to Aitezaz Hasan
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to Shaheed Aitezaz Hasan, who sacrificed his life to save his school and his classmates from a devastating attack.
“Today we commemorate the martyrdom of Shaheed Aitezaz Hasan, a true son of the soil of Hangu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose extraordinary courage is a beacon of hope and resilience,” the prime minister said in a social media post.
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He noted that at only 15 years of age, Aitezaz demonstrated incomparable bravery, bravely sacrificing his life to protect his school and his classmates from a devastating attack.
“His selflessness and unwavering determination remind us of the lasting impact that a single act of bravery can have on countless lives,” the Prime Minister added.
He emphasized that Aitezaz’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Today marks the 11th death anniversary of Aitezaz Hasan Shaheed, who gave his life to prevent a suicide bomber from entering his school in Hangu.
He became a national hero on January 6, 2014, after saving hundreds of lives by thwarting a terrorist attack. Aitezaz Hasan grabbed the suicide bomber at the main gate to prevent him from entering the school.
Aitezaz Hasan was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat for his bravery.
