Pakistan’s New Travel Rules: First-Time Flyers Face Stricter Screening

In recent years, illegal immigration has become a major concern, with many individuals attempting to travel abroad without proper documentation.

To address this issue, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced stricter regulations, particularly targeting first-time travelers from specific regions.

Stricter Scrutiny for First-Time Travelers

According to a report by Dawn, the FIA is closely monitoring passengers between the ages of 15 and 40 from areas such as Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Bhimber, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, and Sheikhupura.

These individuals now face increased scrutiny, even when traveling for religious purposes like Umrah to Saudi Arabia. A recent petition filed with the Lahore High Court revealed that many passengers were denied travel due to incomplete documentation. To clear immigration, travelers must now provide:

• A clear purpose of visit
• Confirmed hotel bookings
• Proof of financial stability
• Basic knowledge of religious texts (for Umrah travelers)

Immigration officers at airports are conducting thorough interviews to verify travel intentions, ensuring that all requirements are met before departure.

PIA’s Efforts to Restore Direct U.S. Flights

While travel restrictions tighten for some, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making significant progress toward restoring direct flights to the United States. Having resumed operations in Europe, including Paris, PIA is now awaiting approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A high-level FAA delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan in mid-March to assess the country’s aviation safety standards. This audit will determine whether Pakistan regains its Category 1 status, a crucial step for restarting non-stop flights to the U.S.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been actively working to meet international aviation standards after Pakistan was downgraded to Category 2. Key improvements include:

• Enhanced safety measures
• Improved pilot licensing
• Strengthened regulatory compliance

These reforms aim to rebuild confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector and restore direct air routes to major global destinations.