Islamabad:Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted an unannounced visit to Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday to personally oversee immigration operations and the facilitation of Hajj pilgrims under the “Road to Makkah” initiative.
During the inspection, the minister examined the dedicated Saudi immigration counters designed to streamline the departure process, ensuring that Pakistani pilgrims receive fast-track clearance before leaving the country to minimise delays upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The minister spent considerable time engaging with staff and pilgrims to gauge the efficiency of the newly implemented systems. Travelers expressed high levels of satisfaction with the arrangements, characterising the immigration process as seamless and hassle-free.
Many noted that the operational efficiency at the airport allowed them to complete necessary procedures within minutes, a significant improvement that was echoed by passengers arriving on international flights, who observed that all immigration counters remained fully operational and responsive.
Beyond the immigration halls, Naqvi reviewed the Joint Search Check Post, where he issued directives to further modernise and accelerate the screening systems. He emphasised that the government is currently upgrading the airport’s security infrastructure with advanced technology to strike a necessary balance between rigorous safety protocols and passenger convenience.
The minister asserted that providing timely, high-quality facilities remains a primary objective of the current administration. The high-level visit included the presence of Director General FIA Dr. Usman Anwar and FIA Islamabad Zone Director Shahzad Bukhari, alongside other senior officials.
