The government has decided to tighten its crackdown on individuals attempting to travel abroad using fake documents, as well as against the networks facilitating such activities.
The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, where officials reviewed loopholes in the current system and discussed measures to improve checks at the immigration and protector offices.
The meeting approved steps to make the protector-of-emigrants system foolproof and agreed to introduce reforms in the country’s immigration procedures to ease travel for legitimate passengers. The ministries have been directed to submit final recommendations within seven days.
A crackdown has also been ordered against those involved in the fake visa trade and the agent networks responsible for facilitating illegal travel.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that an AI-based application is being launched as a pilot project to help identify whether a person is fit to travel or not. “Artificial intelligence will help detect irregularities instantly,” he said, adding that there would be zero tolerance for fake visas and agent mafias.
Naqvi said passports of deported individuals would be cancelled, and measures would be taken to ensure they do not secure new visas afterward. He added that a standardised international driving licence will be issued through the National Police Bureau.
He expressed concern that individuals travelling abroad through illegal means damage the country’s reputation. “Immigration reforms are aimed at providing convenience to citizens and improving Pakistan’s global image,” he noted.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain emphasized that workers travelling on labour visas must possess authentic documents. He assured full cooperation in upgrading the protector and immigration systems.
