FIA starts taking action against those spreading false information
The Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) has rejected social media claims suggesting that
Pakistanis travelling abroad on work or visit visas are being barred from
flights, calling them baseless rumours.
FIA Lahore Zone Director, Captain (retd) Ali Zia, issued a video clarification on Thursday, noting that AI-generated videos and images are being circulated to create the false impression that passengers are being off-loaded arbitrarily or discouraged from seeking employment abroad.
He emphasized that passengers with
valid visas and complete travel documents are not stopped, and FIA staff
continue to facilitate travel respectfully. The real challenge, he said,
involves cases of human smuggling, where travellers misrepresent their routes
or purposes, sometimes leading to deportation. Such incidents have affected
Pakistan’s reputation and prompted stricter visa policies abroad.
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minister orders to stop offloading workers at airports
Zia clarified that off-loading occurs only after thorough investigation and profiling, particularly when visas or work permits appear suspicious or involve fraudulent companies. He urged the public not to be influenced by rumours and reminded travellers that thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad daily without issues.
For complaints, passengers can
contact FIA zonal offices or the Deputy Director Immigration. Zia also warned
against paying intermediaries for immigration clearance, noting that the
circulating misinformation is often financially motivated.
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to use artificial intelligence at airports to stop human smuggling
The FIA has taken action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, against over 15 social media accounts identified as spreading fabricated content. Proceedings are underway against those promoting baseless propaganda and provincial discord.
According to sources, strict
profiling has been conducted for months at airports, especially for first-time
travellers on work or visit visas. Passengers with incomplete documents may
face off-loading, sometimes resulting in financial loss. Recent scrutiny
follows a crackdown on migrant smuggling after last year’s Greece boat tragedy.
While these measures have increased caution, some genuine travellers report
inconvenience and delays at airports in Lahore, Karachi, and other cities.
Source: Express Tribune