Minister says counters will guide passengers on immigration procedures and authorizations
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). PHOTO: ARCHIVE
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched pre-departure facilitation counters at all zonal offices to assist international travelers with immigration procedures and clearances, Federal Minister for Home Affairs and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi announced in a post on X on Sunday.
Naqvi said the counters were operational with immediate effect and would be accessible in person, via helplines and by email, with details available at airports, border points and on the FIA website. He said the initiative was aimed at simplifying facilitation for departing passengers.
I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Investigation Agency has launched pre-departure facilitation counters in all zonal offices, with immediate effect.
These desks will provide guidance and assistance to international travelers on immigration procedures/clearances, ensuring…—Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 4, 2026
The minister also visited the FIA office in Karachi on Sunday, where he reviewed the agency’s performance and announced coercive measures in priority areas.
During the visit, Naqvi reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on hawala and hundi operations, informal money transfer channels used to move funds outside official systems. “The entire monetary trail of the elements involved in money laundering must be exposed,” he said.
Read: FIA busts visa fraud, arrests agent for UK job scam
The Minister of the Interior also intensified actions against human trafficking networks. “Elements who deceive people with false promises of employment and send them abroad do not deserve even the slightest concession,” Naqvi said, ordering officials to pursue such cases without outside influence.
FIA officials informed the minister that over the last four months, 20 officers allegedly involved in human smuggling activities had been arrested and non-customs goods and narcotics valued at Rs 140 million had been seized.
Acknowledging the resource constraints, Naqvi said the staff shortage in Karachi FIA Zone would be addressed on priority and necessary resources would be provided to the officials. He added that in return better performance would be expected.
Read more: 66,154 air travelers disembarked this year, FIA tells NA body
Officials said the directives follow an increase in the number of passengers disembarking at major airports, as well as disciplinary action against FIA personnel found involved in irregular facilitations.
In December, the FIA told a parliamentary panel that 66,154 passengers had been offloaded during the year as part of efforts to curb organized begging groups and illegal overseas travel. That same month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar Raja ordered departmental action against 10 officials for corruption, indiscipline and abuse of authority.
