ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has disclosed that more than 51,000 passengers were offloaded at airports across the country this year after failing immigration checks, highlighting a significant tightening of exit controls in Pakistan.
The disclosure was made during a briefing to a National Assembly standing committee, where FIA officials outlined the scale of enforcement measures aimed at preventing illegal migration, document fraud, and human smuggling.
Stricter Screening at Airports
According to the FIA, passengers were stopped from travelling due to a range of issues, including incomplete documentation, suspicious travel histories, and the use of fake or forged visas. Authorities said enhanced scrutiny has been implemented at international airports to identify individuals attempting to travel unlawfully.
Officials informed lawmakers that several foreign nationals were also intercepted while attempting to use Pakistan as a transit route to reach European countries using questionable travel documents.
Document Fraud and Deportations
The committee was further told that immigration authorities continue to face challenges related to document forgery. During the previous year, hundreds of individuals were deported after being found in possession of fake travel documents, while similar cases have already been recorded this year.
In addition, officials revealed that tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals accused of professional begging were deported from Saudi Arabia during the year, reflecting ongoing coordination with foreign governments on irregular migration concerns.
Assurances to Genuine Travellers
Addressing public concerns, FIA officials assured the committee that passengers carrying valid visas and complete documentation are not being stopped. The agency maintained that offloading decisions are based strictly on legal and security considerations, urging travellers to ensure their paperwork is accurate before travelling.
The FIA reiterated its commitment to preventing human trafficking and safeguarding Pakistan’s international standing through stronger immigration enforcement.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.