PM Shehbaz Sharif Mandates Modern Tech to Combat Human Trafficking

On December 20, 2025, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting in Lahore to intensify Pakistan’s crackdown on human trafficking and illegal migration. The Prime Minister emphasized that integrating advanced technology is the “need of the hour” to sanitize the country’s immigration system and prevent the use of forged documents. A key development discussed was the upcoming implementation of an AI-based application and a new risk assessment unit within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

This system is designed to screen passenger profiles and historical data to identify high-risk individuals and those attempting to travel on suspicious documents in advance. Additionally, the government is moving to activate e-gates at major airports and integrate API-PNR data to streamline processing for legitimate travelers while tightening the net on smuggling networks.

The FIA briefed the Prime Minister on significant enforcement actions, reporting that 451 human traffickers have been arrested so far this year. The crackdown has been particularly aggressive regarding fraudulent “visit visas,” with authorities utilizing targeted screening to prevent illegal employment seeking in Europe and the Middle East.

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To deter repeat offenders, the Prime Minister approved a strict policy for the permanent cancellation of passports belonging to individuals deported for fraud. While mandating these rigorous checks, PM Sharif specifically directed that the Federal Interior Ministry and the Protectorate of Emigrants ensure that “genuine passengers” and legal labor migrants do not face unnecessary hurdles or harassment at airports, aiming to balance national security with the facilitation of legal overseas employment.

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