The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is preparing to launch an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to detect and disrupt human smuggling networks in Pakistan.
According to officials, the initiative will first be piloted at Islamabad International Airport, paving the way for a nationwide rollout aimed at revolutionizing immigration procedures.
During a high-level briefing at FIA headquarters in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the progress of the project alongside senior FIA officials, including directors general and zonal directors. Stressing the urgency of the reform, Naqvi called the AI initiative “a need of the hour” and approved immediate funding for IT infrastructure upgrades. He also ordered the renovation of FIA headquarters and instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to hand over land for a new FIA Academy without delay.
The new AI-driven platform promises to streamline passenger processing at airports, reduce long waiting lines, and enhance the ability of immigration officers to detect suspicious travel patterns linked to trafficking. With real-time analysis and data-driven monitoring, the system is expected to make border control more efficient while tightening the net around smugglers.
To address staffing concerns, Naqvi also directed FIA to begin swift recruitment for vacant posts. “Resources will be provided, but performance is expected in return,” he emphasized during the session.
FIA Director General Raja Riffat Mukhtar highlighted other modernization measures, including proposed amendments to the FIA Act and the rollout of an e-office system where all official notices will soon carry QR codes to ensure transparency.
The AI project builds on FIA’s recent partnerships with international organizations. In 2023, the agency, in collaboration with the European Union and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), set up a second-line border control facility at Islamabad Airport equipped with advanced forensic and IT tools.
Officials believe the latest move will not only disrupt trafficking networks but also strengthen national security and improve the travel experience for legitimate passengers.
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