PM Shehbaz stresses use of modern technology to curb human trafficking

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that full use of modern technology is the need of the hour to improve the country's immigration system and effectively curb human trafficking.

He made these remarks while chairing a review meeting in Lahore today on measures to eradicate human trafficking and prevent illegal travel abroad.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of relevant institutions working to combat this menace.

Referring to recent complaints regarding the offloading of passengers travelling abroad, the Prime Minister noted that the Federal Interior Minister personally visited airports to review the situation, terming the initiative commendable.

He directed the authorities to ensure that strict action against individuals travelling illegally or using dubious documents does not cause inconvenience to passengers holding valid travel documents.

The Prime Minister also instructed to further enhance the performance of the Protectorate of Emigrants and strengthen coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant institutions.

He stressed that those travelling abroad legally for employment should not face unnecessary hurdles and directed strict action against corrupt elements.

During the briefing, the meeting was informed that the FIA has arrested 451 individuals involved in human trafficking and illegal travel abroad so far this year.

The officials also shared that a risk assessment unit within the FIA is conducting targeted passenger screening, while data of deported and illegal travellers is being integrated into the system.

The meeting was told that work is underway to activate the e-gate system at airports while access to API-PNR data will be enabled to identify suspicious travel documents in advance.

It was also informed that a mobile application for passenger data is under development, FIA's IBMS and IT sections are being restructured, and artificial intelligence is being utilized to prevent illegal travel.