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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered stronger, technology-driven measures to combat human trafficking and illegal migration, stressing that legal overseas travel for Pakistani citizens must be safeguarded through improved systems and coordination.&nbsp;Chairing a high-level meeting, the prime minister reviewed actions taken against illegal migration, including the misuse of work, visit and tourist visas, as well as offloading and deportation cases that contribute to irregular movement to European countries, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO).&nbsp;The meeting was informed that steps are underway to activate the e-gates system at airports, while artificial intelligence is being introduced to detect and prevent illegal travel.&nbsp;&ldquo;Full use of technology to improve the immigration system is the need of the hour,&rdquo; PM Sharif said, underscoring the importance of modern tools in curbing trafficking networks and irregular migration.&nbsp;He also directed authorities to further improve the Protectorate of Emigrants&#39; performance and emphasized closer coordination between the Federal Investigation Agency and other relevant institutions.&nbsp;The objective, he said, is to ensure that Pakistani citizens traveling abroad legally for employment do not face unnecessary hurdles.&nbsp;According to the PMO, the meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and senior government officials.

Security

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered technology-driven measures, including AI and e-gates, to curb human trafficking, prevent illegal migration, and ensure smooth legal overseas travel.

Pakistan PM orders tech-driven crackdown on human trafficking, illegal migration

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for a decisive and collective effort to tackle HIV in Pakistan, warning that rising infections and limited treatment coverage demand &ldquo;immediate, coordinated and compassionate action.&rdquo;&nbsp;In his message on World AIDS Day, the prime minister stressed that the government is prioritizing prevention, testing and treatment services, especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities. He said stigma and discrimination remain among the biggest barriers to care, urging society to &ldquo;support, not isolate&rdquo; people living with HIV.&nbsp;The prime minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to achieving global targets to ensure that those most at risk can access timely diagnosis and lifesaving antiretroviral therapy. &ldquo;No one should be left behind,&rdquo; he said, noting that improved awareness, public engagement, and stronger health systems are essential for reversing the trend.&nbsp;He highlighted the need to expand early testing, increase treatment uptake, and ensure that essential medicines reach all parts of the country. The prime minister also underscored ongoing work with provincial governments and development partners to strengthen the national HIV response and enhance community-based services. In April, a UNDP-supported Global Fund report warned that Pakistan could face a wider public health crisis if testing and treatment rates do not accelerate. According to the report, around 290,000 Pakistanis are living with HIV. Yet only 23% know their status, and just 15% are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment, a gap the prime minister described as &ldquo;deeply concerning.&rdquo;&nbsp;The report noted improvements in prevention outreach, with community-led sites expanded to 53 locations and mobile services reaching thousands of people. However, it emphasized that low treatment enrollment and poor retention in care continue to undermine national efforts.&nbsp;As Pakistan marks World AIDS Day, the prime minister called for unity and compassion, saying the fight against HIV is &ldquo;not only a public health challenge but a test of our commitment to dignity, justice and human rights.&rdquo;&nbsp;He urged citizens, communities, and institutions to work together to build a healthier and more inclusive society where people living with HIV can access care without fear or prejudice.

Health

In his message on World AIDS Day, the prime minister says the government is prioritizing prevention, testing and treatment services, especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Articles tagged with "PM Shehbaz Sharif"

Pakistan PM orders tech-driven crackdown on human trafficking, illegal migration

PM Sharif calls for renewed effort against HIV as Pakistan faces rising infections