According to a report presented to the Senate, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken disciplinary action against multiple immigration officers for misuse of authority in cases involving the offloading of passengers from flights across Pakistan.

The report reveals that during the past year, at least 132 passengers were offloaded at various airports, while 85 FIA officials were found guilty of misconduct and subsequently penalised after internal inquiries.

The highest number of offloaded passengers was recorded at Islamabad International Airport, followed by Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.

Allegations against FIA staff included unjustified offloading of travellers, harassment, and in some cases demands for bribes, including one reported case involving Rs500,000 at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.Some passengers, including work visa holders, were also allegedly stopped without proper justification.

However, the FIA clarified in its report that many of the offloading cases were based on incomplete documentation, such as insufficient funds, missing hotel bookings, lack of protector stamps, or incomplete travel purposes and education-related papers.The agency stated that passengers were often allowed to travel once they completed the required documentation.

The FIA further highlighted that its Directorate of Internal Accountability is actively working to strengthen oversight and ensure transparency within immigration operations.Additionally, a facilitation desk has been set up in Faisalabad to guide travellers regarding documentation requirements.The report also notes that passengers can seek clarification before or after travel issues arise.

In parallel, recent judicial observations by the Lahore High Court have reinforced that immigration authorities cannot restrict citizens’ right to travel on vague suspicions, adding legal weight to concerns over arbitrary offloading practices.