PM Forms Committee to Stop Passenger Offloading at Pakistan Airports. The Government of Pakistan has taken a major step to address growing concerns over the offloading of Pakistani passengers at airports despite holding valid travel documents. Following public complaints and criticism on social media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to review the issue and propose long-term solutions.
This move comes amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration and misuse of travel documents, which has led to stricter checks at airports across the country.
Why Were Pakistani Passengers Being Offloaded?
Over the past month, several passengers reported being stopped and offloaded at different airports, even though they had complete and valid documentation. These incidents sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about discretionary powers exercised during immigration clearance.
Authorities clarified that Pakistan has intensified action against illegal migration. In recent years, both Pakistani and foreign nationals have been arrested at airports for attempting to travel using forged or altered documents. However, genuine travelers argue that they are being unfairly affected during these checks.
Prime Minister Committee: Key Details
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, a 14-member committee has been established to examine the issue in depth.
Committee Composition
The committee includes:
- Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis (Chairperson)
- Federal IT Minister
- State Minister for Overseas Pakistanis
- Secretaries of relevant federal ministries
The presence of senior policymakers highlights the seriousness of the issue and the government’s intent to reform the system.
Focus on Protectorate of Emigrants Stamp
One of the committee’s main tasks is to review the process of issuing and renewing the Protectorate of Emigrants stamp.
This stamp is mandatory for Pakistani citizens traveling abroad for employment. Many passengers believe that unclear procedures and human discretion in this process are key reasons behind unnecessary offloading.
Key Objectives Related to the Stamp
The committee will:
- Review existing procedures for issuance and renewal
- Propose measures to eliminate or minimize human discretion
- Ensure that bona fide emigrants are not harassed during travel
Shift Toward a Fully Digitized System
A major recommendation under consideration is an end-to-end digital system for the Protectorate of Emigrants stamp.
Proposed Digital Reforms
The committee will suggest:
- Online issuance of the stamp
- Digital renewal without physical visits
- Transparent verification processes
- Reduced manual intervention at airports
These reforms aim to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and prevent misuse of authority during immigration checks.
Monitoring Worker Satisfaction
Another important mandate of the committee is to design a mechanism to monitor workers’ satisfaction with the overall process.
This includes:
- Issuance of the Protectorate stamp
- Renewal procedures
- Immigration clearance at airports
Feedback from overseas workers will help authorities identify problem areas and ensure that genuine travelers are treated fairly.
Report Timeline and Government Direction
The committee has been instructed to submit its final report to the prime minister within three weeks. The recommendations are expected to guide future policy decisions and operational reforms at airports.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also directed relevant authorities not to offload passengers who hold valid travel documents, reinforcing the government’s stance on protecting lawful travelers.
Why This Decision Matters for Overseas Pakistanis
Millions of Pakistanis travel abroad each year for employment, education, and family reasons. Unjust offloading not only causes financial loss but also damages Pakistan’s global image.
If implemented effectively, the committee’s recommendations could:
- Reduce airport harassment
- Improve trust in immigration systems
- Protect the rights of overseas workers
- Strengthen transparency and accountability
Conclusion
The formation of a high-level committee by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks an important step toward resolving passenger offloading issues at Pakistani airports. By focusing on digital solutions, reducing human discretion, and prioritizing worker satisfaction, the government aims to balance security concerns with the rights of genuine travelers.
