FIA Initiates Strong Screening Measures at All Airports After Deaths of Pakistanis in European Boat Incidents
Following the tragic deaths of several Pakistanis in boat incidents in Europe, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated “strong screening” at all of the country’s airports to prevent illegal emigration. At Lahore airport alone, during the past month, 2,500 passengers were offloaded on the basis of “fake, suspicious, or incomplete documents.” Some travelers with genuine documents were also mistakenly offloaded as illegal emigrants. Most of the passengers were intending to travel to countries like Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Egypt, and Libya, which have been identified by FIA as transit points for illegal emigrants.
An FIA spokesperson stated on Sunday that “Under the direction of FIA Lahore Director Sarfraz Khan Virk, passengers are undergoing rigorous screening at Lahore airport. From January to date, 2,501 passengers have been offloaded due to fake, suspicious, or incomplete documents.” He further added, “A comprehensive review of passengers’ travel records is being conducted. Eight passengers have been arrested on charges of forgery, and 14 individuals involved in begging have also been taken into custody.” FIA revealed that Punjab police’s wanted fugitives were also prevented from leaving the country.
Virk emphasized that actions against human smuggling networks linked to the boat incidents are ongoing. He stated, “FIA is committed to a zero-tolerance policy against this heinous crime, and operations against human smuggling networks have been intensified.” The strict screening at the country’s international airports has caused genuine travelers with valid documents and visas to face significant difficulties. Tour operators have appealed to authorities not to hinder travelers with genuine visas, as it is affecting their businesses.
Recently, FIA suspended 13 officials and halted the promotion of three constables involved in the 2024 Greek boat incident. FIA began operations against human smuggling networks following the illegal emigration boat tragedy near Greece in December last year, where over 80 Pakistanis drowned and 36 were rescued. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued directives for action against human smugglers and their accomplices after the incident. Subsequently, operations against human smugglers were launched nationwide, leading to the arrest of numerous suspects.
