KARACHI – A major crackdown is underway at Jinnah International Airport Karachi as dozens of passengers bound for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Europe, and other destinations have been offloaded in recent days as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) tightens immigration checks to combat human trafficking, fake travel documents, and agent mafia networks.
According to FIA officials, this unprecedented move comes amid a sharp rise in attempts to travel abroad using fake or suspicious documents.
Authorities insist the operation is not directed at any specific province or group, but purely focused on curbing exploitation and protecting citizens from falling prey to fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
Travelers have been offloaded in recent days under suspicion, with many of them coming from various regions across Pakistan, including southern Punjab. “Some passengers were traveling abroad for the first time and lacked complete visa or sponsorship information,” officials said.
Sources confirm that both employment seekers and those heading abroad for religious purposes were among those stopped. FIA Karachi Immigration spokesperson clarified that the action is not discriminatory, stressing stern policy that applies only to passengers with incomplete or suspicious documents.
FIA said these measures are taken in the interest of public safety, transparency, and national responsibility. Officials also issued special instructions to immigration officers at all international airports, including Karachi, to make screening more effective.
The development comes as some travelers wanted to depart from Karachi instead of their nearest airports Lahore, Islamabad, or Multan to evade scrutiny. “In such cases, passengers are asked to explain why they’re traveling from Karachi,” said an FIA official. “If their explanation and documents check out, they are cleared for departure.”
The agency maintains that this intensified scrutiny is essential to protect citizens from deceitful agents who promise false dreams of lucrative jobs and a better life abroad.
FIA Karachi Immigration rejected claims that passengers from Punjab are being stopped from traveling via Karachi Airport. Officials said misinformation circulating on social media and in some media reports has created a “false impression” of discrimination. “These measures only apply to first-time travelers or those under suspicion,” the statement clarified.
“No such ban, order, or restriction exists. All citizens from Punjab and other regions are traveling freely via Karachi Airport.
Earlier this year, Saudi officials deported over five thousand Pakistanis for begging, while five other countries have apprehended 369 individuals on similar charges.
Iraq follows KSA in the number of deportations, while the UAE has sent back 58 Pakistanis amid stricter visa rules.
Is there a Travel Ban on Punjab Residents Flying from Karachi Airport?
