FIA Clarifies: No Travel Ban for Passengers from Other Provinces at Karachi Airport

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has rejected social media rumours claiming that people from other provinces have been banned from travelling abroad through Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

In a statement released on Wednesday, an FIA spokesperson confirmed that no such travel restriction has been imposed. The agency said passengers from any province of Pakistan are allowed to fly internationally from Karachi as long as they carry valid documents and meet immigration requirements.

Extra Checks for First-Time Travelers

However, the FIA acknowledged that it has started additional verification checks for first-time international travellers who are not residents of Sindh but choose to depart via Karachi. The purpose of these checks, officials explained, is to prevent human trafficking and ensure that all travel arrangements are genuine.

According to officials, travellers from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Balochistan who have never previously flown abroad may be asked a few extra questions about their travel purpose, employment details, or point of departure.

FIA’s Response to Public Concerns

The FIA emphasized that these measures are part of routine security and anti-trafficking protocols, not a ban or regional discrimination. “No one has been stopped from leaving Pakistan if their documents are valid,” the agency said.

The clarification came after multiple reports surfaced online suggesting that passengers from other provinces were being stopped at Karachi airport. The FIA has urged the public not to believe unverified social media claims and to confirm information through official channels.

In Short

There is no ban on passengers from other provinces travelling abroad via Karachi airport. The FIA has only tightened its screening process for new travellers to ensure safety, authenticity, and compliance with international travel standards.

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