LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) authorities to strictly ensure that no passenger is allowed to travel with incomplete travel documents.
During his unannounced visit, the interior minister inspected immigration counters and reviewed the arrangements and procedures being followed for passengers.
He also interacted with immigration officials and sought details about the processing time and facilities available to travellers.
Naqvi stressed that passengers possessing complete and valid travel documents should not be stopped from travelling.
However, he directed the authorities to take strict action against individuals attempting to travel using incomplete or fraudulent documents.
He said the use of modern technology has made the immigration process easier and more efficient, adding that the government would further tighten the mechanism against people involved in travelling on fake or forged documents.
The minister also spoke directly with passengers at the airport to obtain their feedback about the immigration process.
In this regard, Naqvi assured passengers that steps would be taken to speed up the immigration process.
He also ordered airport authorities to keep all available immigration counters open to prevent unnecessary delays.
The interior minister said opening all counters would help reduce congestion and ensure that passengers receive better and more efficient services at the airport.
During his interaction with passengers, one traveller also complained to the minister that an agent had allegedly taken money from him. Naqvi immediately took notice of the complaint and referred the matter to the FIA Director for investigation.
He further directed the FIA authorities to take immediate action and ordered the arrest of the agent allegedly involved in the matter.
The minister’s visit comes as part of efforts to improve immigration services at airports, facilitate genuine travellers and strengthen measures against fraudulent travel documentation and illegal practices.
