Govt makes biometric verification mandatory at all airports

The government has decided to enhance border security by installing biometric machines at all airports across the country.

The Ministry of Interior has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take immediate action regarding the installation of these machines.

The ministry has mandated biometric verification for international travellers, stating that this measure will make it nearly impossible for fugitives and wanted criminals to travel domestically or internationally.

Biometric machines will be installed at international immigration counters in airports to ensure effective passenger verification.

On Tuesday, the provincial administration convened a meeting to assess and enhance security measures aimed at protecting Chinese nationals working on various projects in the province.

This follows an incident of October 6 when a deadly attack at Karachi airport resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers.

Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, who chaired the meeting with law enforcement and intelligence officials, stated, “The security of CPEC and non-CPEC affiliated Chinese citizens must be coordinated and effective at every level.”

He also expressed concerns regarding the safety of Chinese nationals working with local businesses. “The sponsors must also be made aware of their responsibilities regarding the arrival and security of foreigners in Sindh,” Lanjar added.

He emphasised that with the formal support of the Sindh government, overall security for foreign workers, particularly those associated with CPEC and non-CPEC projects, needs to be enhanced.

The fatal explosion outside Karachi airport claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers involved in the energy sector, just days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad, which was attended by numerous high-profile foreign dignitaries