Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on Sunday, urging officials to accelerate the immigration process and enhance passenger services. During his inspection of immigration counters, Naqvi engaged with staff to understand the procedures and challenges faced by travelers.
He also interacted directly with passengers, who reported that immigration clearance was taking approximately 30 minutes, requesting further improvements to streamline the process. Responding to these concerns, Naqvi instructed authorities to ensure all immigration counters remain operational to prevent unnecessary delays.
In a notable incident, a passenger alleged that an agent was demanding bribes, prompting Naqvi to take immediate notice. The minister referred the case to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director and ordered the arrest of the implicated agent.
Naqvi emphasized that travelers lacking complete documentation would be denied boarding, while those with proper papers would not face any hindrance. He highlighted that advancements in technology have simplified immigration procedures, and strict measures are in place against individuals attempting to use fraudulent documents.
In a significant development earlier in April, Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting that approved the deployment of advanced screening equipment to upgrade airport security nationwide. The meeting also endorsed the creation of joint counters to implement a single-point checking system aimed at minimizing delays.
“A unified scanning system will considerably reduce processing time,” Naqvi stated during the meeting, stressing the importance of improved coordination among agencies to alleviate congestion and long queues at airports. He reaffirmed the commitment to providing the public with modern, efficient, and convenient travel facilities.
