Government Rejects Claims of Unfair Offloading at Airports as FIA Warns Against Misinformation has become a major trending topic in Pakistan as social media floods with claims about workers and visit visa holders being stopped at airports. The interior minister and the minister for overseas Pakistanis have clarified that no traveller with genuine documents is being offloaded.
Both ministers said travellers with valid visas and complete travel documents face no restrictions. They stressed that the government has not introduced any new offloading policy. The Federal Investigation Agency also denied demanding any affidavit from visit visa holders.
FIA Lahore Zone Director Muhammad Ali Zia said in a video message that false propaganda is spreading online. He said AI generated photos and videos are being used to mislead citizens. He added that people travelling abroad legally should not fear harassment because immigration staff will help them.
FIA Warns Against Illegal Travel and Agent Scams
Zia warned that those using illegal travel routes put their lives at risk. He said transit visas and unsafe journeys have caused repeated boat tragedies. He added that such cases damage Pakistan’s global reputation and lead to stricter foreign visa policies for Pakistani citizens.
He shared examples where travellers used Umrah trips as cover to escape to other countries through agents. These incidents forced authorities to increase scrutiny at airports. He said only passengers with clear lawful purposes and verified documents are allowed to proceed. If officials detect suspicious activity, they take action.
An FIA spokesperson said certain individuals are posting fabricated claims to create panic. He said offloading is not a punishment. He explained that it is a verification process used when passengers carry fake documents, lack clear travel information, have past illegal activity, or show signs of human smuggling.
The spokesperson said passenger safety remains the FIA’s top priority. He advised the public to avoid illegal agents and to travel only with accurate and verified documentation.
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The FIA has traced more than 15 social media accounts spreading misinformation. Investigations have started under the Cyber Crime Act.
Hundreds of travellers have been stopped in recent weeks due to incomplete or suspicious documentation. Social media users claim even legitimate visitors are being blocked. Officials strongly deny these claims and attribute the confusion to a coordinated misinformation campaign targeting the public.