3,171 offloaded in two months over fake documents

By Sher Ali Khalti
February 27, 2025
People are queued at the International Departures counter at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, in the still taken from a video uploaded on June 14, 2023. —YouTube@Mansoortastic
People are queued at the International Departures counter at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, in the still taken from a video uploaded on June 14, 2023. —YouTube@Mansoortastic

LAHORE:Lahore Airport authorities have offloaded 3,171 passengers from flights on charges of having fake, suspicious, or incomplete travel documents since the start of the year.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone has intensified its crackdown on human smugglers at Lahore Airport. The authorities also arrested 10 people for attempting to travel with fake documents and 35 for their involvement in begging activities.

The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Lahore for further investigation. Meanwhile, FIA foiled the escape attempts of 12 top fugitives who were wanted by Punjab Police for their involvement in serious crimes. According to FIA Lahore Zone Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk, passengers travel record is being thoroughly reviewed to maintain the agency’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against human smuggling.