Islamabad, Mar 10, 2025: The federal government has launched an investigation into reports of passport blockages and bribery at airports, following concerns raised by the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) in France.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has taken notice of these allegations, which claim that airport officials are obstructing passports and demanding large sums of money from expatriates.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain has officially reached out to the Ministry of Interior, calling for an in-depth inquiry.
On March 3, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) in France addressed a letter to both the minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, detailing grievances from overseas Pakistanis.
The letter claims that thousands of expatriates, especially those in Italy, Greece, Portugal, and other European countries, face harassment at Pakistani airports.
Allegedly, corrupt officials are exploiting passport restrictions to extort bribes ranging between Rs. 400,000 and Rs. 500,000 per traveler.
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According to the PBF, while the government has indeed placed restrictions on certain passports, dishonest airport personnel are manipulating the situation to their advantage.
The letter states that officials stop returning expatriates and pressure them to pay bribes to continue their journey.
Those who refuse to comply risk being denied entry or facing significant travel delays.
“This is a new form of exploitation,” the letter states. “Overseas Pakistanis are being unjustly stopped and compelled to pay enormous bribes, severely impacting their travel schedules and causing them distress.”
The letter also emphasizes that expatriates had only recently begun celebrating the reinstatement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights when this fresh crisis arose.
The PBF has urged the government to take swift action, reassure overseas Pakistanis, and curb further corruption.
In response, Chaudhry Salik Hussain has formally requested the Ministry of Interior to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter
. “This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention,” he stated. “Overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to our nation, and they must not endure such unjust treatment.”
Additionally, the minister emphasized accountability, vowing to identify and penalize those involved in corruption.
However, to address these issues, he announced the establishment of an airport facilitation desk to assist expatriates and prevent future incidents.
“The exploitation of our overseas community will not be tolerated,” Hussain affirmed. “We are committed to resolving their concerns and ensuring their rights are protected.”
