People trying to travel to New Zealand are from Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar.
International visitor spending in the United States is expected to fall below $169 billion this year, compared to $181 billion in 2024, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. PHOTO: FREE PHOTO
Four passengers were deplaned at the Islamabad International Airport on Thursday for allegedly trying to travel on counterfeit work visas, according to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The individuals – Muhammad Imran, Mian Tauseef, Sultan Afzal and Abdul Rehman – were scheduled to board flight CZ8070 to New Zealand. They would belong to Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
During routine immigration checks, the work visas presented by the passengers were found to be fake. Their passports also carried protective stamps from offices in Rawalpindi, Abbottabad and Peshawar, further arousing suspicion, officials said.
The FIA Anti-Human Smuggling Cell has taken the passengers into custody for further investigation and launched a probe to trace the agent allegedly involved in the racket. Officials said visa verification was ongoing.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has called for stricter immigration controls and protection for legal travelers. According to the FIA, 451 people involved in human trafficking and illegal immigration have been arrested in recent months.
In recent months, there have been several reports of passengers with full documentation being disembarked during immigration checks. Many travelers complain of facing difficulties even if they hold valid visas and travel documents.
Read: FIA investigates offloading of workers at airports
The Prime Minister asked authorities to ensure that passengers with valid travel documents are not treated as illegal immigrants during screening procedures.
