Pakistan to implement strict visa controls, biometric screening at airports

ISLAMABAD (Zubair Kasuri):  In a bid to strengthen national security and address terrorism concerns, the Pakistani government is set to implement strict visa controls and introduce mandatory biometric screening for all international passengers at airports across the country.

Following a report by a law enforcement agency, the government is set to make several changes to its visa policy. Sources suggest that the current visa policy, particularly the Visa Pre-Arrival (VPA) system, is potentially vulnerable to terrorist exploitation.

The report recommends removing several countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Turkey and Iran, from the VPA program. Citizens of these countries will now have to apply for visas under the existing tourist or business categories.

Despite Afghanistan’s earlier removal from the VPA program, sources have revealed that several Afghans with dual citizenship living abroad were mistakenly granted VPA visas by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) Pakistan. The Interior Ministry is reportedly taking steps to address the issue and cancel the erroneously issued visas.

The intelligence agency’s report has ordered immediate implementation of biometric and facial recognition systems at immigration counters for all international arrivals and departures at Pakistan’s airports. The move includes taking fingerprints and facial photographs of all foreign passengers entering and leaving Pakistan.

To further strengthen Pakistan’s border security, the report has called for all law enforcement agencies to establish an integrated, automated access control system. The system is likely to streamline information sharing and improve security protocols at border crossings.

These steps reflect Pakistan’s commitment to tightening security and deterring potential threats, especially in light of ongoing regional and global security challenges.