FIA Dismisses Social Media Reports on Overseas Travel Restrictions

Pakistan’s FIA Dismisses Reports of Arbitrary Off-loading at Airports, Clarifies Immigration Procedures

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media that Pakistani travelers with legitimate work and visit visas are being arbitrarily stopped at airports across the country.

In a detailed video statement released Thursday, FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia characterized these allegations as “mere rumors” and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. According to Zia, malicious actors have been using AI-generated videos and images to create a false impression that passengers are being off-loaded without justification and that those seeking overseas employment opportunities are being deliberately hindered.

“This propaganda has no connection with reality,” Zia emphasized. “Passengers holding valid visas and complete travel documents are not stopped, nor are hurdles created for them. Instead, FIA staff facilitates them and sends them off with respect.”

The FIA official explained that immigration authorities primarily focus on preventing human smuggling operations, which have resulted in tragic consequences for Pakistani citizens and damaged the country’s international standing. He noted that human smuggling has led to loss of lives, ransom situations, and a significant devaluation of the Pakistani passport, prompting many countries to implement stricter visa policies for Pakistani nationals.

Zia clarified the actual criteria for passenger scrutiny: “FIA Immigration only stops those passengers whose documents are incomplete or whose visas and work permits raise doubts—especially in cases where the companies abroad do not actually exist or where human-smuggling concerns arise.”

According to the FIA director, off-loading decisions follow thorough investigation and profiling, and are not made arbitrarily. He reminded the public that thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad daily without incident, stating, “We bid farewell to those departing and welcome those returning.”

The agency has urged passengers with concerns to contact FIA zonal offices or the Deputy Director Immigration directly, while warning against paying bribes for immigration clearance. Zia suggested that the ultimate goal of the disinformation campaign is financial exploitation of vulnerable travelers.

In response to the false information being spread, the FIA has initiated legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) 2016. The agency has already identified over 15 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading “organized, baseless propaganda” and promoting provincial discord. Sources indicate that the FIA has traced these accounts and begun proceedings against them.

The heightened scrutiny at Pakistani airports follows last year’s tragic boat disaster off the coast of Greece that claimed several Pakistani lives. The incident prompted authorities to intensify efforts against migrant smuggling networks operating within the country.

Sources familiar with immigration procedures confirm that FIA officials have been conducting rigorous profiling for several months, particularly focusing on first-time international travelers using work or visit visas. This process has resulted in some passengers being subjected to additional questioning and, in certain cases, off-loading when documentation is deemed incomplete or suspicious.

These measures have created financial hardships for some travelers who lose money on missed flights when they are prevented from boarding. The resulting frustration has fueled criticism across social media platforms targeting the immigration process.

Earlier this month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar acknowledged reports of passenger off-loading at Lahore and Karachi airports and confirmed that investigations into these incidents were underway.

Industry observers note that while certain demographics and travelers to specific destinations have experienced increased scrutiny in recent months, the heightened vigilance has created challenges for legitimate business travelers and tourists, who have reported frustrations with the more stringent procedures.