Separate counters for foreigners at airports established

By Shakeel Anjum
August 07, 2025

Passengers wait at the immigration counter before boarding at the Islamabad International Airport on January 10, 2025. — AFP
Passengers wait at the immigration counter before boarding at the Islamabad International Airport on January 10, 2025. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has said separate immigration counters have been established for foreigners at all the international airports in Pakistan.

The move, initiated under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is part of a broader effort to modernise and improve the country’s immigration system.

The new counters are now operational in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot.

The initiative aims to reduce unnecessary delays for foreign tourists, investors and business delegations, thereby facilitating travel and promoting tourism, trade, and foreign investment.

The establishment of these dedicated counters is also expected to benefit Pakistani citizens. The agency anticipates that by separating foreign and domestic travelers, the immigration process for returning Pakistanis will become “faster and easier”.

According to the FIA, these efforts are being made to align Pakistan’s immigration services with international standards and ensure a smoother experience for all travelers.