86 complaints, only 14 cases get full or partial relief as immigration problems continue

Serious questions have emerged over the handling of immigration complaints, alleged airport offloading and human trafficking cases

ISLAMABAD:  Serious questions have emerged over the handling of immigration complaints, alleged airport offloading and human trafficking cases as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed a parliamentary committee that 86 complaints referred by the Prime Minister’s Public Affairs and Grievances Wing had produced mixed results, with 20 cases receiving no relief and 36 complaints being reopened for further investigation.

The figures were presented before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, MNA, during a meeting in Parliament House, Islamabad.

The complaints covered the period from July 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026, and involved serious public concerns about immigration, human trafficking and smuggling.

According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Public Affairs and Grievances Wing referred 86 complaints to the FIA for action under the relevant laws and rules. Of these, 67 related to immigration problems, while 19 concerned human trafficking and smuggling.

The FIA’s briefing revealed that relief was granted in only seven cases, while another seven received partial relief. In 20 cases, the complainants could not be provided relief.

The most significant figure was the reopening of 36 cases by the Prime Minister’s Public Affairs and Grievances Wing, which are now under process. Another 13 cases remain under process, while three are pending with other government agencies.

The figures show that a large number of complaints have yet to reach a final outcome, raising concerns about delays and the difficulties citizens face when seeking help from government institutions.

The committee also discussed complaints involving alleged offloading of passengers at airports, illegal human trafficking and smuggling. FIA officials explained the legal and operational difficulties faced by the agency while dealing with such cases.

The committee discussed the procedures followed by the FIA, the laws governing immigration and human trafficking, and the steps taken to address public complaints. It also examined the challenges faced by the agency in investigating these matters.

Meanwhile, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) informed the committee about a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at protecting citizens from online crimes.

The campaign includes direct engagement with students and members of the public, social media messages, recorded videos and television appearances by NCCIA officials. The agency said the initiative was designed to promote safer use of digital platforms and encourage people to report cybercrime incidents on time.

The committee was also briefed by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) about the establishment of 647 Dynamic Registry Centres and the introduction of its Digital Financial Literacy Training Programme.

The programme aims to help women from low income families understand digital payments, banking services and basic financial matters.

Officials informed the committee that the Social Protection Wallet System had been launched to replace traditional cash payments with a more transparent system linked to digital and mobile financial services.

The initiative is intended to make payments easier to track and reduce problems associated with conventional cash distribution. Women receiving financial assistance are also being trained to use digital financial services and understand basic banking.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) also briefed the committee on the condition and maintenance of the Okara to Harrapa road section. It provided details of repair and maintenance work, as well as the construction of side drains and cement concrete shoulders along the Mumtazabad to Gujar Garhi section.