In a concerted effort to enhance accountability and curb illegal migration, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain made an unscheduled, two-hour inspection visit to Lahore International Airport. Both ministers closely monitored the entire immigration process and observed the flow of passengers.
Minister Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction with the congestion observed at the immigration counters and issued immediate orders to the staff to expedite the processing time. They also engaged directly with outbound passengers to inquire about their immigration experience.
During the inspection, Minister Salik Hussain checked the ‘Protector’ stickers on travel documents. A significant incident occurred when a young man attempting to travel abroad for a driver’s job was halted due to the absence of a required driving license. Minister Hussain expressed severe displeasure over the alleged collusion of an FIA official in the matter and ordered an immediate inquiry. Consequently, the passenger was offloaded, and assurance was given to facilitate the refund of the money paid to the private company.
In contrast, Minister Naqvi commended and rewarded the immigration officials who intercepted the passengers lacking the proper documentation. He personally handed out cash prizes and announced that commendation certificates would also be issued to these honest personnel.
Minister Naqvi issued strict directives that under no circumstances should passengers without the necessary legal documentation be permitted to travel. He emphasized, “Illegal immigration will not be tolerated, and no passenger who causes discredit to the country will be allowed to travel.” He asserted that stringent action would be taken against any complicit officials from the FIA or any other department, while Minister Hussain directed that the job-related documents of all Protector-stamped passengers must be thoroughly verified.
