ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday decided to intensify its crackdown against passengers attempting to travel abroad using fake documents as well as against all those involved in the business of fake visas.
In a special meeting held under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, it was also decided to make the protector issuance system foolproof with “reforms to be introduced in the immigration system to facilitate passengers”.
The ministers sought final recommendations within seven days. Mr Naqvi said an AI-based pilot application would be launched in Islamabad from January to curb illegal immigration, enabling authorities to determine in advance who was eligible to travel and who was not. He declared that anyone attempting to travel on incomplete or bogus documents would be stopped.
The interior minister said that deported individuals would not be reissued visas after their passports were cancelled, adding that there would be zero tolerance for fake visas and agent mafias.
An effective crackdown was ordered against those involved in the business of fake visas and such agents.
“We are in contact with other countries to improve the ranking of the green passport. People going abroad through illegal means damage the country’s reputation. Immigration reforms aim to facilitate the public and improve our global standing,” he added.
Mr Naqvi also said the National Police Bureau would issue a standardised international driving licence.
Meanwhile, Mr Hussain said a fully transparent protector system was the need of the hour as it was essential for individuals travelling on labour visas to possess authentic documents. He said the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis would extend full cooperation to the interior ministry in improving the protector and immigration systems. The meeting’s participants also reviewed measures regarding action against illegal migrants and individuals with incomplete documentation. E-driving licences, protector stamps and immigration matters were discussed.
Recently, several reports emerged that some travellers were being offloaded from flights at various airports despite possessing “valid” travel documents.
Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2025