Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive action in response to mounting reports of Pakistani passengers with complete travel documents being forcibly offloaded from flights bound for foreign countries. He has constituted a high-level committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and propose a new, streamlined mechanism for individuals traveling abroad.
Composition of the Investigation Committee
The newly formed committee is a multi-agency body designed to address the issue from all angles. It will be led by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik. Other key members include Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja and the Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Awn Chaudhry.
The panel also features top technical and administrative officials to ensure a comprehensive review:
- Heads of the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National Information Technology Board.
- The Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis and the Secretary of IT.
- The Additional Secretary of the Interior Ministry.
- Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NADRA, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The committee has been given a clear mandate: to investigate the offloading incidents and submit its findings and recommendations to the prime minister within three weeks.
The Core Issue: Travelers Blocked Despite Valid Documents
Over the past several months, numerous distressing accounts have emerged from airports across Pakistan. Citizens holding legitimate visas for destinations like Greece, Italy, Poland, and Baku are being prevented from boarding their flights. The problem appears systemic, affecting hundreds of Pakistanis who have secured visas and paid significant fees in dollars, euros, or pounds.
The central point of contention is the "protection" stamp required from the Protector of Emigrants offices. Travelers, including those going abroad for jobs as agricultural experts, drivers, or cleaners, report being forced to make repeated visits to these offices only to be turned away. They are often told that "orders from above" prohibit the approval of their documents, though these orders are reportedly verbal, with no written directives provided.
Official Denials vs. Passenger Testimonies
The FIA has consistently dismissed the widespread reports as "mere rumours." In late November, FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia issued a video clarification, suggesting that certain elements were using AI-generated content to create a false narrative of unjust offloading.
However, the sheer volume of first-hand testimonies from affected individuals contradicts this official stance. The issue is not new; previously, travelers bound for Umrah or jobs in Dubai have faced similar, unexplained hurdles based on vague suspicions.
The new committee's task includes recommending a harmonized system for protector stamps at the international level, aiming to bring clarity and fairness to a process that has caused significant distress and financial loss to many citizens seeking employment overseas.
