GUJRAT: Instead of getting traditional education, that would be rendered useless by artificial intelligence (AI), the Pakistani youth should develop soft skills to meet the global demand of skilled human resource, and should not become victim to human trafficking networks.

The Punjab government has launched the certification courses for skill development of university graduates, as well as illiterate youths, in various fields, including construction, IT, paramedics, security etc.

These views were expressed at a dialogue entitled as “Youth dialogue with parliamentarians -- shaping migration policies for a brighter future” attended by students, parliamentarians, besides representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and British High Commission, Islamabad. The event was held at the University of Gujrat (UoG) here on Tuesday.

British Deputy High Commissioner Matt Cannel, PML-N MPA Adnan Afzal Chattha (Wazirabad), Azma Kardar (Lahore), FIA Gujranwala Zone Director Abdul Qadir Qamar were among the guest speakers at the event.

Mr Cannel said illegal immigration had become a global challenge and all countries must work together to get rid of the problem through creating more employment opportunities within their own borders.

He said currently at least 6 million people from different countries were residing in the United kingdom. He said his country wanted Pakistan to have skilled human resource.

MPA Chattha said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had launched a skill development programme for the youth to enable them to find employment in the Gulf states. He added that provincial government would also bear the travel cost of such skilled youths so that they may find jobs there.

Similarly, he said, the Punjab government had already launched another skill development programme for the university graduates to make them digital entrepreneurs.

Mr Qamar urged the youth to adopt legal, safer and regular ways to go abroad instead of being lured by human traffickers.

The youth must develop skills and get modern education before trying to move abroad as learning skills can make it easier for them to get legal visas of other countries, he said.

UoG students also performed a short stage play, highlighting the reasons behind the menace of human trafficking.

The British High Commission delegation also called on UoG Vice Chancellor Dr Mushahid Raza.

Earlier, the deputy British high commissioner inaugurated an evidence preservation room at the Gujrat FIA office, that would help the agency enhance conviction rate in human trafficking cases.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2024