Govt plans one-window airport screening

ISLAMABAD:

The government has decided to install modern machinery at airports to improve the checking process and facilitate passengers through a one-window operation. This decision was made in a special meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday.

The meeting aimed to evolve a joint strategy between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence to ensure foolproof security at airports. It discussed joint measures to facilitate the public at airports and decided to ensure effective coordination among all relevant institutions.

The meeting also decided to establish joint counters and introduce a unified checking system at a single point. It also reviewed progress on the installation of e-gates at airports.

Naqvi stressed the need to provide passengers with faster clearance and easier travel facilities. He stated that joint checking on a single scanner by all institutions would save time and facilitate people.

"Congestion and waiting times at airports can be reduced through coordination among institutions. The government is committed to providing modern and convenient travel facilities to the public," he said.

The secretary defence informed the participants that modern machinery is being imported to prevent damage to aircraft and accidents caused by birds at airports.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha, Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali and Additional Secretary Interior Maj Gen (retd) Noor Wali Khan attended the session.

Additional Secretary Defence Maj Gen (retd) Qaiser Suleman, Anti-Narcotics Force Director Gen Maj (retd) General Abdul Mueed, and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr Usman Anwar also took part in the meeting.