In a significant move, Pakistan's National Assembly has taken a firm stand against the controversial practice of stopping passengers with valid papers from boarding flights. On Tuesday, the house unanimously adopted a resolution demanding a government-led investigation into these incidents.
Unanimous Call for Investigation and Reform
The resolution was presented by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Agha Rafiullah. He highlighted a disturbing increase in cases where individuals holding legitimate tickets and identification were denied boarding at airports across the country. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq put the motion to a vote, and it was passed without any opposition.
The resolution urges the federal government to conduct a thorough inquiry into such occurrences. It also calls for administrative reforms to guarantee transparency, accountability, and the protection of passenger rights. A key demand is for better communication protocols, ensuring that any decision to deny travel is lawful, properly documented, and clearly explained to the affected individuals.
Prime Minister's Response and Committee Formation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already taken notice of the alarming reports. He ordered the formation of a high-level committee to look into the matter. This committee will include representatives from key institutions:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
The committee has been tasked with a dual mandate: proposing a new mechanism for overseas travel and recommending ways to harmonize the protector stamp system at the international level.
Widespread Complaints and Official Denials
Over recent months, numerous reports have surfaced accusing the FIA's immigration staff of offloading passengers at various airports despite them possessing all required visas and documents. Travelers bound for destinations like Greece, Italy, Poland, and Baku have reportedly been prevented from flying.
Hundreds of Pakistanis have complained about being caught in a bureaucratic loop. They claim that despite having complete visas, they are forced to make repeated visits to Protector of Emigrants offices, yet their documents are not being "protected" or cleared for travel. Some allege they were told that "orders from above" prohibit the protection of documents for those seeking jobs abroad in sectors like agriculture, driving, or cleaning.
Previously, passengers traveling for Umrah or for jobs in Dubai have also faced similar hurdles on suspicion. The FIA has consistently dismissed these allegations as baseless rumours. In late November, FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia issued a detailed video clarification, suggesting that certain elements were using AI-generated content to create a false narrative.
However, persistent passenger testimonies paint a different picture. Travelers report that even those who paid visa fees in hard currencies like dollars, pounds, or euros are being stopped from traveling to Europe. They claim officials at protector offices nationwide provide only verbal instructions, with no written orders to justify the travel ban.
The National Assembly's resolution now adds substantial political weight to these grievances, pushing for legal effect behind any travel restrictions and clear standard operating procedures at all airports.
