Over 4,000 passengers detained at Lahore airport for using fake documents
- The Federal Investigation Agency has offloaded over 4,000 passengers at Lahore airport due to fake or suspicious travel documents since January 2025.
- Among those detained, 14 were arrested for fraudulent documentation, and around 75 were linked to beggary.
- This continued action shows an intensified effort by the FIA to combat human trafficking and ensure secure travel procedures.
In Pakistan, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has conducted an extensive operation at Lahore airport, leading to the offloading of more than 4,000 passengers since January 2025. This initiative was primarily aimed at curbing instances of fraudulent, suspicious, or incomplete travel documents among departing travelers. As part of these operations, law enforcement officials reported that 14 individuals were arrested on charges related to the use of fake documentation while attempting to board flights. Additionally, approximately 75 passengers believed to be involved in beggary were also apprehended. These actions underline the FIA's commitment to enhancing security measures and passenger screening at air travel hubs within the country. Authorities indicated that the crackdown has been intensified, particularly targeting human traffickers, thus maintaining a focus on irregular migration patterns and ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not escape into other countries. During the same period, the FIA was able to detain 14 fugitives who were actively wanted by Punjab police for various serious offenses. These detainees were ultimately handed over to concerned police authorities for further investigation, highlighting the crossover between different branches of law enforcement in combating crime. Moreover, the agency continues to actively enhance passenger screening protocols to ensure compliance with national travel regulations while fostering a secure and orderly airport environment. This scrutiny not only counteracts fraudulent activities but builds public trust in the security framework established by the federal agency. In a related incident, fraudsters were discovered attempting to use forged documentation to secure visas for a group of individuals posing as squash players aiming to travel to New Zealand for an upcoming sporting event. This situation reiterates the pressing need for rigorous verification methods and further emphasizes the ongoing challenges authorities face in safeguarding against the misuse of official governmental letters and sponsorships related to sports and travel.