FIA gets cutting-edge tools to combat trafficking

As part of the measures to tighten the noose against human trafficking, currency smuggling and other irregularities, the Federal Investigation Agency has opened the Advanced Second-Line of Border Control Office (ASSLBC) at the New Islamabad International Airport.

According to sources, the availability of cutting-edge forensic and IT tools will make it impossible to utilise counterfeit passports, visas, and travel documents. There is also a record of 4,000 passports and security features of all categories around the world in the state-of-the-art computerised system.

The establishment of the ASSLBC at the New Islamabad International Airport came to fruition with support from the European Union and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

Also read: No data of child trafficking victims, SC told

The ASSLBC has high-tech IT equipment that can be used to check travel documents for forensic purposes. Its modern computerised system has records of almost 4,000 passports of all categories issued worldwide with security features. Foreign experts have trained 20 officers and personnel from FIA Immigration to become mass trainers for the ASSLBC.

FIA Additional Director Immigration at Islamabad Airport, Haroon Joya, said the immigration master trainers, who successfully finished the training programme, would instruct other staff members at the New Islamabad International Airport in addition to their shift-based duties. “The modern ASSLBC will help in the prevention of human trafficking, currency smuggling, and other illicit activities at the airport,” he said.

Joya added that forged passports, visas, and travel documents may be detected immediately with the help of contemporary technology and forensics.

Read more: FIA nabs human trafficking suspect

FIA Director General Mohsin Butt Wednesday inaugurated the new office at the FIA Academy, following which the new ASSLBC commenced regular operations at the New Islamabad International Airport. However, the airport’s current immigration checking and clearance counters and system will continue to operate as usual.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2023.