Lahore, November 28, 2025: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has categorically rejected widespread social-media rumours claiming that Pakistanis travelling abroad on work or visit visas are being off-loaded without reason at airports.
In a detailed video statement, FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Ali Zia said that misleading content — including AI-generated videos and images — is being circulated to create the false impression that immigration authorities are arbitrarily stopping passengers.
“This propaganda has no link with reality,” he stated, adding that passengers with valid visas and complete travel documents face no hurdles and are facilitated “with respect” by FIA staff.
According to Zia, the primary challenge at airports stems from travellers who fall victim to human smugglers, altering their travel plans mid-journey or attempting to misuse transit routes. Such cases frequently result in deportation and have harmed Pakistan’s international image as well as the value of its passport.
He noted that due to these incidents, several countries have tightened visa policies for Pakistanis.
FIA, he clarified, only stops individuals whose travel documents are incomplete, whose work permits appear dubious, or where the foreign companies mentioned on the visas do not actually exist. Off-loading decisions, he stressed, are made only after thorough investigation and profiling.
“Thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad every day. We bid farewell to those departing and welcome those returning,” Zia said, urging people not to trust rumours and not to pay money to anyone for immigration clearance.
Passengers may register complaints or seek guidance by contacting FIA zonal offices or the Deputy Director Immigration.
The FIA has initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 against those involved in circulating fabricated propaganda regarding off-loading. Over 15 social-media accounts have initially been identified for spreading baseless claims and promoting provincial discord.
Sources said the FIA has traced multiple accounts involved in organised disinformation campaigns and launched formal action.
Officials confirmed that strict profiling measures have been in place for several months, especially for first-time travellers on work or visit visas. Passengers unable to satisfy immigration officials or those with incomplete documents undergo detailed scrutiny, and in some cases are off-loaded and asked to provide missing paperwork.
This strict enforcement — intensified after last year’s Greece boat tragedy, which claimed many Pakistani lives — has resulted in financial losses for some travellers due to forfeited tickets, triggering criticism across social media.
Earlier this month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar acknowledged that off-loading incidents had indeed been reported at Lahore and Karachi airports and said inquiries were underway.
While the rate of off-loaded passengers from certain cities, age groups and destinations has increased in recent months, the heightened vigilance has reportedly become a source of frustration for genuine businessmen and tourists.
