Naqvi orders faster immigration process at Lahore airport

LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday visited Allama Iqbal International Airport and directed authorities to expedite the immigration process and improve facilities for passengers.

During his visit, Naqvi inspected immigration counters and discussed the procedures and challenges faced by travellers with immigration staff. He also spoke to passengers to assess the time required for immigration clearance.

Passengers told the interior minister that the process was taking around 30 minutes and called for further improvements to reduce delays.

Taking notice of the complaints, Naqvi directed officials to speed up immigration clearance and ensure that all immigration counters remain operational to prevent unnecessary delays and overcrowding.

During the visit, a passenger also complained that an agent had allegedly demanded money. Naqvi took notice of the complaint, referred the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency director and ordered action against the agent, including his arrest.

The interior minister clarified that passengers with incomplete travel documents would not be permitted to travel, while those with complete documents would face no unnecessary restrictions.

Naqvi said modern technology had made immigration procedures easier and stressed that strict action would continue against individuals attempting to travel on fake or fraudulent documents.

He said the government was working to provide passengers with faster, modern and convenient services at airports.

Earlier in April, a high-level meeting chaired by Naqvi had approved the installation of advanced screening equipment to improve security and checking arrangements at airports across the country.

The meeting had also approved the establishment of joint counters under a single-point checking mechanism to reduce delays and long queues.

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Naqvi had said that a unified checking system using a single scanner would save considerable time, while better coordination among relevant institutions was necessary to reduce congestion at airports.

The interior minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving airport facilities and ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.