Pareesa Afreen 
Dec 05, 2025
An image showing Pakistani airport staff walks through the Islamabad International Airport on the outskirts of Islamabad, taken on April 26, 2018. — AFP
The federal government has approved the launch of an AI-powered application as a pilot project in Islamabad starting January 2026 to curb illegal immigration.
The decision came during a high-level meeting presided over by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
Interior minister said the AI app will help the authorities to identify in advance which passengers are eligible to travel abroad.
It will also prevent deported individuals from obtaining new visas after their passports have been cancelled.
Other measures against illegal immigrants and people carrying incomplete travel documents were reviewed at the meeting.
Officials discussed e-driving licences, protector stamps, and other immigration-related procedures.
He further emphasised that a uniform International Driving Licence will be issued by National Police Bureau and zero tolerance will be shown towards fake visas and illegal travel agents.
"We are in contact with other countries to improve the ranking of the Pakistani passport. People using illegal means to travel abroad are damaging the country's reputation."
Ministry of overseas Pakistanis assured full cooperation with the Ministry of Interior to improve protection and immigration systems.
The authorities intend to take a more vigorous crackdown on passengers who attempt to travel using forged documents or unauthorised channels.
