Government to introduce single point screening system at airports to reduce delays

The government on Wednesday decided to introduce a single-point screening system at airports to improve passenger facilitation and reduce delays.

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad aimed at developing a joint strategy between the defense and home ministries to improve airport operations and public convenience.

The meeting reviewed joint measures to improve passenger facilitation at Islamabad and other airports and decided to ensure stronger coordination among all relevant agencies. Officials approved the installation of advanced detection machinery to improve the monitoring system.

It was further agreed that joint counters would be established, introducing a single point control mechanism to reduce delays. Progress in the installation of electronic doors was also evaluated.

Naqvi emphasized providing passengers with faster customs clearance and easier travel procedures. “A unified control system in a single scanner will save a lot of time,” he said, adding that better coordination between institutions was essential to reduce crowding and long queues at airports.

“We are committed to offering modern, fast and convenient travel services to the public,” said Naqvi.

Defense Secretary Muhammad Ali informed meeting members that the latest machinery was being imported to protect aircraft from bird-related damage and possible accidents.

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State Minister Talal Chaudhry, Home Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, Defense Secretary Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ali, Home Additional Secretary Maj Gen Noor Wali Khan, Defense Additional Secretary Maj Gen Qaiser Suleman, DG Anti-Narcotics Force Maj Gen Abdul Mueed and DG FIA Dr Usman Anwar attended the session.

In January, Naqvi had issued orders for strict control of travel documents at airports.

In recent years, the Federal Investigation Agency has also stepped up operations against illegal immigration after a series of interceptions at major airports related to falsified documents and suspicions of internal collusion.