Mohsin Naqvi reviews immigration arrangements at Karachi airport

Mohsin Naqvi visited Jinnah International Airport to inspect immigration counters and review the procedures followed for passengers travelling abroad.

During the visit, the interior minister spoke to departing passengers and asked about their experience with the immigration process. He also inspected the arrangements at the immigration counters and reviewed how officials were handling passengers.

The visit focused on both passenger facilitation and the enforcement of immigration requirements. Naqvi directed officials to ensure that travellers face no unnecessary difficulties during the immigration process.

Additional staff help reduce passenger queues

The interior minister expressed satisfaction with the immigration team's arrangements.

He noted that the deployment of additional personnel at the counters had helped reduce long queues. The increased staffing had also made the process more convenient for passengers, according to the assessment shared during the visit.

Reducing waiting times remains a key concern at busy international airports, where large numbers of passengers must complete immigration checks before departure. Naqvi directed officials to maintain the improved arrangements so that passengers can complete the required procedures without unnecessary delays.

Minister checks passengers’ travel documents

During his inspection, Naqvi also examined the travel documents of some passengers. He asked Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials to verify their credentials and ensure that the required documents were properly checked.

The FIA Immigration Wing is responsible for examining the travel documents of arriving and departing international passengers and preventing travel on fake or forged documents. The agency also deals with immigration-related matters at international airports and other designated entry and exit points across the country.

Strict action against incomplete documents

While calling for better passenger facilitation, Naqvi also stressed that immigration checks must remain strict. He directed officials not to allow passengers with incomplete or unverified documents to proceed with their journeys.

The minister has previously issued similar instructions at other airports, stressing that passengers with incomplete documents should not be permitted to travel. The approach is aimed at maintaining a balance between faster processing for passengers with valid documents and strict action against those who fail to meet travel requirements.

Fake documents remain a major concern

Naqvi also emphasised the need for strict checks against passengers travelling with fake documents. FIA immigration officials are tasked with detecting and preventing the use of fake or forged travel documents at Pakistan’s entry and exit points.

The government has also been working to strengthen immigration monitoring and improve the use of technology at airport counters. These measures are intended to improve border controls while making legitimate international travel easier for passengers.

Naqvi praises immigration staff

The interior minister appreciated the efforts of the immigration staff during his visit. He also commended Deputy Director Immigration Shehzad Akbar for his role in improving arrangements at the airport.

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The minister’s remarks came as officials continued efforts to improve passenger handling and reduce waiting times at immigration counters. Naqvi stressed that staff should continue helping passengers while ensuring that all necessary security and documentation checks are completed.

Immigration system needs both speed and security

The latest instructions highlight two key areas of airport immigration: passenger convenience and document verification.

Passengers with complete and valid documents should be processed efficiently to avoid unnecessary queues. At the same time, officials must carefully examine documents and credentials before allowing travellers to leave the country.

The FIA says its immigration officers are responsible for examining travel documents and taking action against passengers using fake or forged documents. This makes immigration counters an important point for both passenger facilitation and border security.

Previous visit exposed system problems

Naqvi has previously visited Jinnah International Airport to review immigration arrangements.

During an earlier visit in August, the immigration system experienced a technical failure while the minister was inspecting the counters. He contacted relevant officials and directed them to resolve the issue immediately.

He also ordered authorities to maintain alternative arrangements so that immigration processing would not stop during a technical failure. The incident highlighted the importance of having backup arrangements at busy international airports.

Technology being used to improve immigration

Authorities have also been working to improve immigration monitoring through modern technology. In September, Naqvi said Pakistan planned to install modern technology-equipped cameras at 500 immigration counters across airports in the country.

The stated aim was to improve monitoring and help identify people involved in illegal migration and human smuggling. Such measures are part of wider efforts to strengthen immigration controls while improving services for genuine travellers.