FIA passport policies under fire as National Assembly Committee reviews offloading and blacklisting procedures

Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened its 27th meeting at Parliament House to scrutinize

Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened its 27th meeting at Parliament House to scrutinize the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) controversial policies regarding the non issuance of third and subsequent passports, passenger offloading, and blacklisting of overseas Pakistanis. Chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, MNA, the session brought to light concerns over the discretionary use of authority by FIA and Immigration officials, which has reportedly affected lawful travelers returning to Pakistan.

The FIA Director General briefed the Committee, emphasizing that passenger offloading serves as a critical measure to combat illegal migration, human trafficking, and visa misuse. He detailed the agency’s operational mechanisms, noting the establishment of a Risk Analysis Unit and the use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence tools, and the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to identify high risk travelers. Despite these measures, Committee members expressed unease over reports that bona fide travelers, holding valid visas, residence permits, and other lawful travel documents, were offloaded without justified cause.

The Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control responded that the profiling system relied largely on objective and automated criteria. He added that software based improvements were being introduced to further enhance transparency and minimize human discretion in these critical decisions. The Committee also reviewed the FIA’s strict procedures for processing third and subsequent passport applications, which are subjected to enhanced scrutiny to prevent identity misuse and document fraud.

Lawmakers raised pointed questions about the operational balance between security and citizen convenience. Concerns were highlighted that legitimate travelers faced inconvenience and possible stigmatization due to the agency’s offloading policies. Members underscored the importance of ensuring procedural fairness while maintaining the agency’s mandate to protect national security and curb illegal emigration.

The Committee stressed that while the FIA’s role in safeguarding national borders and preventing illegal emigration is essential, its procedures must also uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability. Lawmakers urged the agency to ensure that lawful travelers are not unduly penalized and that the automated profiling system be continuously monitored to protect citizens’ rights.