Minister says counters will guide passengers on immigration procedures and authorizations
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). PHOTO: FILE
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched pre-departure facilitation desks in all zonal offices to assist international travelers with immigration procedures and clearances, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi announced in an article on X on Sunday.
Naqvi said the offices were operational with immediate effect and would be accessible in person, via telephone helplines and email, with details available at airports, border crossings and on the FIA website. He said the initiative was aimed at streamlining facilities for departing passengers.
I am pleased to announce that the Federal Investigation Agency has launched pre-departure facilitation desks in all zonal offices, with immediate effect.
These offices will provide advice and assistance to international travelers on immigration procedures/clearances, ensuring a…–Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 4, 2026
The minister also visited the FIA office in Karachi on Sunday, where he reviewed the agency’s performance and announced enforcement measures in priority areas.
During the visit, Naqvi reiterated his zero-tolerance stance towards hawala and hundi operations, informal money transfer channels used to move funds outside of official systems. “All financial traces of elements involved in money laundering must be revealed,” he said.
Read: FIA busts visa fraud racket, arrests agent for UK employment scam
The Minister of the Interior also ordered to intensify measures against human trafficking networks. “Elements who deceive people with false promises of jobs and send them abroad do not deserve the slightest concession,” Naqvi said, ordering officials to pursue such cases without outside influence.
FIA officials informed the minister that in the last four months, 20 officers allegedly involved in human smuggling activities were arrested and non-customs goods and narcotics worth Rs140 million were seized.
Acknowledging resource constraints, Naqvi said personnel shortages in the Karachi FIA zone would be addressed on priority and necessary resources provided to officers. He added that improved performance would be expected in return.
Learn more: 66,154 air travelers disembarked this year, FIA tells NA
Officials said the directives followed an increase in the number of passengers disembarked at major airports, as well as disciplinary action against FIA personnel involved in irregular facilitation.
In December, the FIA informed a parliamentary committee that 66,154 passengers had been disembarked during the year as part of efforts to combat organized beggar groups and illegal overseas travel. The same month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar Raja ordered departmental action against 10 officials for corruption, indiscipline and abuse of authority.
