Protection system under review as authorities investigate facilitation of illegal travel
Security is increased at all airports in Pakistan. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
Suspected collusion by an FIA official at the Allama Iqbal International Airport came to light after immigration officers intercepted passengers who were allegedly trying to travel abroad illegally, officials said. The discovery has sparked an investigation into how officials may have aided unauthorized departures.
The issue attracted attention during routine immigration checks, when officers detained a passenger suspected of receiving help from an FIA official to circumvent travel rules.
During a two-hour unannounced visit on Sunday, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain observed the immigration process at the airport. They spoke with passengers bound for international trips, inquiring about the process and ways to improve it.
Read: The FIA investigates the dismissal of workers at airports
Naqvi warned that illegal travel will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He expressed concern over long queues at immigration counters and instructed officials to expedite processing to avoid delays and inconvenience to travelers.
Hussain also inspected the “Protector” stickers on the travel documents. He cited a recent case in which a young man was prohibited from traveling abroad to work as a driver because he did not have a driving license. The minister ordered an investigation and emphasized that the Protector system must ensure verification of all work-related travel documents.
Naqvi called the staff who had detained both passengers, praised them and rewarded them from his own pocket. He also announced certificates of recognition for the staff members concerned.
Additionally, Naqvi stated that any Pakistani whose actions could bring the country into disrepute would be banned from international travel. He also ordered that strict legal action be taken against any FIA officials found involved in aiding illegal travel.
