FIA Bans Verbal Offloading of Passengers at Airports, Seaports and Dry Ports
KARACHI:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will no longer be allowed to offload passengers verbally, as its Immigration Wing has issued a new 12-page standing order for airports, seaports and dry ports across Pakistan.
According to the details, Standing Order No. 07/2026 has been issued with immediate effect, replacing the previous standing order introduced in 2005. The new order will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued effectiveness.
The latest directive also supersedes previous instructions concerning the general responsibilities outlined in immigration officers’ job descriptions, to the extent that they conflict with the new standing order.
The document makes it clear that immigration decisions will now be linked to a formal system of digital record-keeping, written decisions, risk-based screening, officer accountability and complete documentation in the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS).
Under the new framework, immigration officers will be required to follow documented procedures rather than relying on verbal instructions when deciding whether to stop passengers from travelling.
The move aims to bring greater transparency, accountability and consistency to immigration procedures at Pakistan’s entry and exit points.
