The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has strongly objected to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) newly introduced travel condition requiring a guarantee from a Grade-18 government officer for travelers going abroad.
According to reports, the FIA had recently instructed that any Pakistani traveling overseas must submit a written guarantee from a Grade-18 officer to ensure their return. This rule quickly drew criticism from the public, who called it an unnecessary and burdensome condition.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development also raised concerns, describing the condition as “unlawful” and lacking any legal foundation.
Shortly after learning about the issue, ministry officials contacted the FIA and directed the immediate withdrawal of the rule. They clarified that the agency had no authority to impose such requirements once a traveler’s protector certificate had been issued.
“The FIA’s condition is both illegal and baseless,” said ministry sources. They further emphasized that the agency must not offload any passenger without a valid reason. If such an action occurs, the FIA will be required to provide a written explanation, and failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action against the responsible officers.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis also questioned the rationale behind the FIA’s move, stressing that the protector certificate already serves as official clearance for foreign travel. Officials warned that such restrictions only create unnecessary obstacles for overseas workers and citizens traveling abroad for employment or other legitimate reasons.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis and urged the FIA to facilitate travelers instead of introducing measures that complicate the process.
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With growing public pressure and the ministry’s intervention, the controversial condition has now been declared invalid and is expected to be withdrawn immediately.
