In recent days, certain claims have circulated on social media suggesting that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration Karachi is preventing passengers belonging to Punjab from traveling abroad via Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.However, FIA Immigration Karachi has strongly refuted these reports, calling them baseless, misleading, and contrary to facts.
FIA’s Official Clarification
According to the FIA Karachi, no such restriction exists. Passengers and families from all provinces, including Punjab, are freely traveling abroad from Karachi Airport without any discrimination or obstruction.
The agency emphasized that its staff is fully committed to providing services to all travelers with professionalism, courtesy, and strict adherence to the law.
Reason for Strengthened Immigration Checks
FIA explained that due to the increasing risk of human trafficking and exploitation, immigration screening and profiling processes have been made more effective.
These checks are conducted only in specific cases, such as:
First-time international travelers, or Individuals suspected of being involved in or vulnerable to human trafficking or exploitation.
In such cases, travelers may simply be asked why they chose to depart from Karachi Airport instead of their nearest airport.Those who provide valid explanations and proper documentation face no inconvenience or delay.
Purpose: Public Safety, Not Discrimination
The FIA underlined that these preventive measures are aimed at protecting innocent citizens from fraudulent agents and trafficking networks who exploit people with false promises of overseas employment or a better future.
All steps being taken fall under the agency’s public safety and national responsibility mandate — and there is absolutely no element of bias or discrimination involved.
Equal Service for All Citizens
Reaffirming its stance, FIA Karachi stated that it remains dedicated to serving all Pakistani citizens equally and fairly.The agency is working to ensure that every traveler experiences a safe, lawful, and respectful journey through Pakistan’s airports.