The biometric machines will be positioned at international immigration counters in airports, facilitating more effective passenger identification and verification
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to bolster national security, the Pakistani government has announced plans to install biometric machines at all airports throughout the country. The Ministry of Interior has tasked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) with the swift implementation of this initiative, which aims to enhance the verification process for international travelers. The introduction of biometric verification is expected to significantly impede the ability of fugitives and wanted criminals to travel both domestically and internationally, thereby strengthening border security.
The biometric machines will be positioned at international immigration counters in airports, facilitating more effective passenger identification and verification. This development comes on the heels of heightened security concerns, particularly regarding the safety of foreign nationals in Pakistan, especially following a tragic incident on October 6 at Karachi airport. In that incident, a deadly attack claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers, raising alarms about the safety of Chinese workers engaged in various projects across the country.
In response to the growing security threats, the provincial administration in Sindh convened a meeting to discuss enhanced security measures for Chinese nationals, who are vital participants in projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other local enterprises. Sindh’s Interior Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, who chaired the meeting with law enforcement and intelligence officials, underscored the need for a coordinated and effective security strategy to protect both CPEC-affiliated and non-CPEC Chinese citizens.
Minister Lanjar voiced concerns about the responsibilities of local sponsors regarding the safety and security of foreign workers in the province. He emphasized that enhanced security measures are essential, particularly in light of the fatal attack at Karachi airport, which occurred just days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad, attended by numerous high-profile foreign dignitaries. The incident has intensified calls for comprehensive security protocols to safeguard the lives of foreign nationals, particularly those associated with key infrastructure and development projects.
As the government moves forward with its biometric initiative, the overarching goal is to create a safer environment for international travelers and foreign nationals working in Pakistan. The effectiveness of these measures, along with the cooperation of local authorities and businesses, will be crucial in ensuring the security of all individuals in the country, fostering an atmosphere of trust and stability necessary for ongoing foreign investment and collaboration.
