Strict screening at Lahore Airport to curb human smuggling

LAHORE:On the directives of FIA Lahore Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk, strict screening of passengers continued at Lahore Airport to prevent illegal travel, human smuggling, and other unlawful activities, the FIA spokesperson confirmed. Officials are thoroughly reviewing passengers' travel records to ensure compliance with legal documentation.

According to Director FIA Lahore Zone Sarfaraz Khan Virk, a comprehensive crackdown is under way against individuals attempting to travel with fake, suspicious, or incomplete documents. He revealed that 2,501 passengers were offloaded this year for failing to meet legal travel requirements. Additionally, eight individuals were arrested for attempting to travel using forged documents. The FIA has also intensified its efforts against begging-related travel, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals involved in such activities. Furthermore, nine fugitives, who were wanted by Punjab Police, were prevented from fleeing abroad.

Expanding on the year’s statistics, FIA Director stated that in 2024 alone, the FIA offloaded 8,812 passengers due to fraudulent, suspicious, or incomplete documentation. A total of 79 individuals were arrested for traveling with fake documents, while 75 passengers were detained for their involvement in begging networks. Efforts to curb human smuggling have also been reinforced, with authorities successfully blocking 57 absconders, who were wanted by Punjab Police, from escaping the country. These individuals were on the Stop List due to their involvement in serious criminal cases. After their arrests, they were handed over to Punjab Police.

The FIA has launched a special crackdown on those involved in illegal immigration and human smuggling networks. FIA officer emphasised that operations against individuals responsible for boat accidents and human trafficking rings were being carried out with full force. He reaffirmed FIA's zero-tolerance against human smuggling and assured that action against such criminal networks would be continued without any leniency.

He urged parents to be cautious and to avoid handing their children over to illegal agents, instead advising them to opt for legal and safe travel routes.