Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday directed authorities at Islamabad International Airport to ensure that no passenger with genuine and complete travel documents is barred from flying, as the government moves to crack down on visa fraud and human smuggling networks.
The minister’s remarks come amid reports and social media claims in recent months that passengers with valid documents were being offloaded from flights at major airports.
Naqvi Orders Action Against Visa Agents
During his visit to the airport, Naqvi met passengers to hear their concerns and instructed officials to launch strict action against visa agents exploiting travellers for money.
He also took notice of a complaint filed on November 7 regarding low staffing at immigration counters and ordered an inquiry, including a review of CCTV footage to determine responsibility.
In a post on X, Naqvi wrote:
“No passenger with genuine and complete documents should ever be stopped from travelling.”
He added that individuals attempting to fly using “fake or unverified documents” would not be allowed to travel under any circumstances, as such attempts damage Pakistan’s international reputation.
The minister warned that agent mafias, who deceive and endanger people seeking to go abroad, would face zero tolerance.
FIA Rejects Rumours of Passenger Offloading
Earlier on Thursday, amid widespread speculation on social media about mass offloading of passengers, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) issued a strong denial.
FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia stated:
No passengers with legal and complete documents are being offloaded.
Immigration authorities cannot stop a traveller who possesses valid documentation.
Only passengers with incomplete or suspicious documents are being stopped after profiling.
He expressed concern about fake news circulating online and noted that some travellers attempt to go abroad through illegal means, including using women as shields or presenting documents from fake overseas companies.
“The public is requested not to believe such rumours,” he said, adding that some individuals were deliberately trying to create unrest on social media.
Government Tightens Measures Amid Human Smuggling Concerns
The FIA’s clarification comes as the government enforces stricter measures to curb human smuggling following several tragic boat accidents involving Pakistanis attempting dangerous sea crossings.
Pakistanis also emerged as the largest nationality seeking asylum in the United Kingdom in 2024–25, with 11,048 applicants, or 10.1% of total asylum claims, according to the UK Home Office a trend officials say highlights the urgent need to deter illegal travel.
