Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that 50 to 70 passengers are offloaded from flights daily at domestic airports. The measure is aimed at protecting Pakistan’s passport reputation and ensuring that only travelers with valid and verified documents board international flights.
The decision comes amid reports of arbitrary offloading at airports, where some passengers have been stopped despite carrying proper passports and visas. Minister Naqvi explained that the practice is necessary to prevent misuse of travel documents and to strengthen the country’s credibility abroad, especially as Pakistan cracks down on illegal immigration and forged papers.
During an unannounced visit to Islamabad Airport, Naqvi inspected security and boarding procedures. He stated clearly that no passenger with complete and valid travel documents should face inconvenience or be denied boarding. He also directed airport authorities to identify and take strict action against fraudulent visa agents who exploit citizens by providing fake or unverified documents.
Naqvi warned that using counterfeit documents not only risks legal action but also damages Pakistan’s international image. Airlines and immigration officials have been instructed to follow proper verification protocols to ensure compliance with international travel standards.
The Interior Minister emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s travel and immigration system while protecting the rights of legitimate travelers. Passengers are encouraged to always carry valid documents and verify their travel papers to avoid being offloaded.
The government hopes that these measures will strengthen Pakistan’s passport credibility and prevent misuse of the international travel system.
