Foreign travellers to get dedicated airport clearance in Pakistan
PM Shehbaz Sharif orders separate immigration counters for international visitors
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate establishment of separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports in Pakistan.
Announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, the move is designed to boost tourism, support ongoing trade activities, and attract foreign investment by making international arrivals more convenient.
In addition to benefiting foreign travellers, the measure will also help returning Pakistani citizens by shortening overall processing times at busy terminals.
Faster entry channels
The dedicated immigration counters will be placed at all international gateways, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. Officials say this will help reduce congestion during peak travel hours, offering a smoother arrival experience.
This adjustment forms part of Pakistan’s broader effort to align its border management systems with global standards, as the country aims to position itself as an appealing destination for business and leisure visitors alike.
Authorities believe that the streamlined process will especially benefit inbound business delegations and tourists unfamiliar with local procedures.
Tourism and trade boost
The decision supports the government’s long-term tourism strategy, which saw nearly 97,500 foreign visitors arrive in 2023 – the highest recorded in seven years. With tourism revenues projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2025, these changes are viewed as timely.
Officials also emphasised the potential benefits for trade continuity, especially with a growing number of foreign investors and professionals travelling into Pakistan.
By separating the lanes, local travellers can also expect faster clearance and fewer bottlenecks.
Nationwide roll-out planned
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and relevant immigration departments are coordinating the rollout of the new counters. Training sessions for immigration officers are currently underway, with full implementation expected in the coming weeks.
This directive joins other aviation upgrades, including recent security enhancements at Karachi, Multan, and Faisalabad airports under a $14.7 million agreement with Japanese firm Tech International.