Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi has reaffirmed that travellers with incomplete or fake documentation will not be allowed to leave the country under any circumstances. He made these remarks during an unannounced visit to Lahore Airport on Monday, where he evaluated passenger services and immigration procedures.
Naqvi inspected the immigration desks and reviewed the upgraded system that links passengers’ travel records with their ID cards and passports. He commended FIA Director Ali Zia and his team for implementing a faster and more efficient process.
During the visit, the interior minister interacted with passengers arriving from and departing for foreign destinations. Many travellers expressed satisfaction, noting that the immigration procedure now takes only two minutes. They also credited Naqvi’s regular inspections for improving service standards at airports.
The minister emphasized that individuals with proper, authentic documents are not being stopped. He explained that only travellers with incomplete or questionable paperwork pose risks and therefore cannot be allowed to travel. “Pakistan’s honour is our shared responsibility. Anyone whose actions could harm the country’s reputation cannot be granted permission to travel,” he stated.
Senior FIA officials, including Director Zia, were present during the inspection. The visit followed recent concerns that passengers with valid documents were being offloaded. Just last week at Islamabad Airport, Naqvi again instructed officials not to hinder travellers carrying genuine and complete papers.
He also ordered strict action against visa agents involved in deceiving or exploiting travellers. Additionally, Naqvi addressed a complaint about staff shortages at immigration counters during the visit and directed a detailed inquiry with CCTV review.
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Earlier, the FIA clarified that only passengers with incomplete documentation are being prevented from travelling. The agency also urged the public not to be misled by false information circulating on social media, stressing its continued efforts to combat human smuggling and illegal travel.
