Pakistan's Interior Minister announces initiative to modernize immigration infrastructure
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin
Naqvi has announced a comprehensive initiative to modernize the country’s
immigration infrastructure, including the rollout of fast-track immigration
counters and biometric e-gates at major international airports.
The plan was unveiled during a
high-level meeting at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Headquarters in
Islamabad. Naqvi also paid tribute to the agency’s fallen personnel by laying a
floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument.
As part of immediate improvements to
passenger services, the minister directed the establishment of fast-track
immigration counters aimed at easing congestion and enhancing service quality
at airports. These priority lanes will cater to overseas Pakistanis, families,
and frequent travelers.
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immigration control office established at Multan Airport
In a broader move to digitize and
streamline immigration, Naqvi announced the upcoming deployment of biometric
e-gates—automated passport control booths that use facial recognition and
fingerprint verification. Initially, the e-gates will be installed at Islamabad,
Lahore, and Karachi airports. Passengers with e-passports will be able to clear
immigration without the need for manual checks.
The project is being led by the
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), with technical assistance from Germany-based
M2P Consulting, and is expected to be operational in the near future.
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implements mandatory biometric verification at airports
Separately, Naqvi ordered the FIA to
launch a "ruthless" crackdown on visa fraud networks operating within
and outside Pakistan, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to
immigration-related crimes.
Source: Gulf News