The federal government has decided to accelerate its ongoing crackdown against passengers attempting to travel abroad using forged or incomplete travel documents. The decision comes after several recent incidents at major airports where travelers, despite holding seemingly valid documents, were offloaded before departure.
According to officials, these measures are part of the intensified campaign launched after last year’s tragic boat incident near Greece, which exposed large-scale human smuggling networks.
During a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, it was resolved that the system for issuing protector approvals will be strengthened to prevent manipulation, while new immigration reforms will be introduced to facilitate legitimate travelers. The ministers sought final recommendations within seven days.
The government also ordered strict action against individuals involved in producing fake visas and facilitating human smuggling networks. Minister Naqvi announced that beginning in January, Pakistan will launch an Artificial Intelligence–based screening application in Islamabad to determine eligibility before travel. He further stated that deported individuals would not be issued new visas following cancellation of their passports, and a “zero tolerance” approach would be applied against fake visas and agent mafias.
The interior minister added that Pakistan is in contact with foreign authorities to improve the global ranking of the Pakistani passport, stressing that illegal migration damages the country’s reputation. Meanwhile, Minister Salik Hussain emphasized the importance of a transparent protection system, noting that workers traveling abroad must possess authentic documentation. The meeting also reviewed proposed actions against illegal migrants, policies related to incomplete documentation, and reforms concerning e-licensing, protector stamps, and immigration procedures.
