Minister says desks will guide passengers on immigration procedures and clearances
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). PHOTO: FILE
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks across all zonal offices to assist international travelers with immigration procedures and permits, Federal Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday in a statement on X.
Naqvi said the desks were operational with immediate effect and would be available in person, via helplines and via email, with details available at airports, border points and on the FIA website. He said the initiative was aimed at streamlining facilitation for departing passengers.
Pleased to share that the Federal Investigation Agency has launched Pre-Departure Facilitation Desks across all Zonal Offices with immediate effect.
These desks will provide guidance and assistance to international travelers on immigration procedures/clearances, ensuring a…— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) 4 January 2026
The minister also visited the FIA Karachi office on Sunday where he reviewed the performance of the agency and announced enforcement measures in priority areas.
During the visit, Naqvi reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on hawala and hundi operations, informal money transfer channels used to move funds outside official systems. “The entire money trail of elements involved in money laundering should be exposed,” he said.
Read: FIA busts visa scam, arrests UK job scam agent
The Minister of the Interior also directed an intensified effort against human trafficking networks. “Elements that deceive people with false promises of jobs and send them abroad do not deserve even the slightest concession,” Naqvi said, directing officials to pursue such cases without outside influence.
FIA officials informed the minister that during the last four months, 20 agents allegedly involved in people smuggling had been arrested and non-customs goods and narcotics worth Rs 140 million. had been seized.
Acknowledging resource constraints, Naqvi said the shortage of personnel in FIA Karachi Zone would be addressed on a priority basis and necessary resources would be provided to officers. He added that improved performance would be expected in return.
Read more: 66,154 air travelers relieved this year, FIA tells NA organ
Officials said the directives follow a rise in the number of passengers being offloaded at major airports as well as disciplinary action against FIA personnel found involved in irregular facilitation.
In December, the FIA informed a parliamentary panel that 66,154 passengers had been relieved during the year as part of efforts to curb organized begging groups and illegal emigration. In the same month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar Raja ordered departmental proceedings against 10 officials for corruption, indiscipline and abuse of authority.
