ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said that no passenger in possession of genuine and complete travel documents should be offloaded or denied boarding at airports. The minister’s remarks came after visiting Islamabad airport to meet travellers and hear their concerns firsthand.
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Over the past few months, multiple incidents were reported of passengers being stopped from flying despite having valid documentation. These measures were part of a crackdown on migrant smuggling following last year’s tragic boat incident in Greece, which claimed several Pakistani lives.
In a post on X, Naqvi said he had ordered strict action against visa agents exploiting innocent travellers. He also took notice of a passenger complaint from November 7 regarding low staffing at immigration counters and directed an immediate inquiry, including a review of CCTV footage.
Visited Islamabad Airport today and met passengers travelling abroad to hear their concerns directly.
Ordered a strict crackdown against visa agents exploiting innocent people. Took serious notice of a passenger’s 7 November complaint about low staffing at immigration and… pic.twitter.com/dP29uZw2bB
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 29, 2025
“No passenger with genuine and complete documents should ever be stopped from travelling,” he said. “However, those attempting to travel on fake or unverified documents will not be allowed under any circumstances, as such actions damage Pakistan’s reputation.”
He emphasised that agent mafias manipulating people’s futures for money would face zero tolerance. Authorities have reiterated that offloading or denial of boarding occurs only when passengers lack valid documents or are suspected of working with migrant smugglers.
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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also taken legal action against individuals spreading false information on social media regarding passenger offloading. Earlier this month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed investigations were underway into reported incidents at Lahore and Karachi airports.