Pakistan opens separate immigration counters for foreign travellers at all major airports
Overseas Pakistanis to benefit from streamlined immigration processing
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD: In a major development aimed at enhancing the travel experience of international visitors, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has announced the establishment of separate immigration counters for foreign travellers at all of Pakistan’s international airports.
The move comes in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to improve immigration services and modernise the country’s travel infrastructure.
According to a statement released by the FIA on Wednesday, the new counters are already functional at Jinnah International Airport (Karachi), Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore), Islamabad International Airport, Bacha Khan International Airport (Peshawar), Multan International Airport, and Sialkot International Airport.
پی آر نمبر602/2025
— Federal Investigation Agency - FIA (@FIA_Agency) August 6, 2025
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کی ہدایت پر امیگریشن نظام میں بہتری کے لیے عملی اقدامات ملک کے تمام بین الاقوامی ائرپورٹس پر غیر ملکی مسافروں کے لیے علیحدہ امیگریشن کاؤنٹرز قائم نئے کاؤنٹرز سے مسافروں کو امیگریشن کلیئرنس میں غیر ضروری تاخیر کا سامنا نہیں کرنا پڑے گا۔ pic.twitter.com/1EZDMQCj4j
What is the objective?
The primary aim of these exclusive counters is to eliminate unnecessary delays during immigration clearance for foreign travellers. FIA officials confirmed that the new system is expected to speed up the entry process significantly, offering a more welcoming and hassle-free experience for tourists, investors, and business visitors.
“This step is crucial in projecting Pakistan as a tourist- and investment-friendly destination,” said a spokesperson for the FIA, highlighting that the initiative reflects the government’s broader goal of improving service delivery and aligning with international standards.
How will it help travellers?
In addition to foreign nationals, returning overseas Pakistanis are also expected to benefit from a faster and more efficient immigration process. Officials say the changes will help reduce wait times and streamline the entry experience for both segments of travellers.
The upgraded immigration service is designed to promote key sectors such as tourism, real estate, and infrastructure by improving first impressions at the country’s entry points. This reform aligns with Pakistan’s vision to attract global engagement and strengthen its image as a modern, connected nation.