MULTAN: In a significant move to bolster security, Multan International Airport has unveiled a cutting-edge immigration control office. This new facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, aims to enhance the detection and prevention of illegal immigration.
Following the successful implementation of a similar office at Lahore Airport, this upgrade at Multan is designed to help officials identify fraudulent documents and verify passports and visas with greater accuracy. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has played a crucial role in this initiative, ensuring that the new office is outfitted with advanced forensic and IT tools.
To maximize the effectiveness of this new technology, the FIA has also introduced specialized training programs for immigration officials. These programs ensure that staff are proficient in using the new tools, significantly improving the efficiency of immigration controls.
The recent establishment of the Scandline Immigration Control Office at Lahore Airport, which also features advanced forensic and IT equipment, has been a pivotal step in the fight against illegal immigration. Sarfaraz Khan, Director of Lahore Zone, received a comprehensive briefing on the new technology, provided in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), according to ARY News.
This high-tech facility is expected to streamline the process of screening for fake, suspicious, and illegal documents. It will also strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration. The new system is particularly valuable as it helps detect individuals attempting to travel under false pretenses. Recently, numerous beggars disguised as Umrah pilgrims were offloaded from flights at Multan airport.
Last year, the Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development informed the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis about the alarming number of beggars trafficked abroad through illegal means. The secretary reported that a staggering 90 percent of beggars apprehended in foreign countries were from Pakistan. Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have noted overcrowded jails due to these arrests.
The introduction of this advanced immigration control office marks a significant step forward in ensuring safer and more secure travel while addressing the critical issue of illegal immigration.