Pakistan launches AI immigration app to end long queues

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based application developed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to streamline immigration processes and combat human trafficking.

The pilot project will begin at Islamabad International Airport under the minister’s directives.

During his visit to the FIA Headquarters in Islamabad, Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting attended by FIA Additional Director Generals, Directors, and Zonal Directors who joined online.

The meeting reviewed progress on earlier decisions aimed at modernizing the agency’s operations.

Officials briefed him on the new AI-driven system, which is expected to cut waiting times at airports while strengthening security measures.

Calling the initiative “a timely necessity,” Naqvi said the step would both prevent human trafficking and save passengers from long queues. He ordered the release of funds to upgrade FIA’s IT infrastructure and headquarters, while also instructing the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to hand over land for the FIA Academy without delay.

To address staff shortages, he directed immediate recruitment against all vacant posts. “I will ensure resources are provided, but you must also deliver performance,” he emphasized.

FIA Director General Raja Riffat Mukhtar briefed the minister on reforms, stating that amendments to the FIA Act had been completed and digitization was underway. He added that the agency had adopted an e-office system and that all FIA notices would now carry QR codes for greater transparency.

Earlier, on the directive of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, a decision was made to establish separate immigration counters at all international airports of the country for the convenience of foreign passengers.

“The decision has been taken to promote tourism in Pakistan, ensuring continuity in business activities and providing further facilitation to the foreign investment, “PM Office Media Wing, on Saturday, said in a press release.

The establishment of these counters would reduce the immigration processing time at the airports, besides, after establishment of these separate and designated counters for foreigners, the Pakistani citizens returning to the motherland, would be able to complete their immigration process in a shorter time.