Enhancing security: Ministry to bolster immigration system

To get integrated database installed at airports to check human smuggling

ISLAMABAD: In an attempt to control human trafficking, the interior ministry has decided to install Integrated Database System (IDS) at all international airports across the country by the end of December this year.

Sources inside the ministry told The Express Tribune that the decision has been taken to ensure foolproof immigration system. The step was taken after a recent incident in which 19 alleged Afghan nationals travelled to UK on fake documents from Islamabad airport in September with the connivance of FIA and PIA officials, the sources revealed.



The unique feature of this new system is that it will be linked with four relevant departments including National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Passports and Immigration department and the ministry of interior to detect fake passports or data tampering in order to preempt any human smuggling attempt in the future and also ensure proper check and vigilance over FIA immigration system.

The IDS will also be connected with biometric system, which was recently installed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

Sources said that Interior ministry is working on preparing PC-1 to install software of such IDS to ensure foolproof vigilance over the FIA immigration clearance at all the International airports. For this purpose 28 modern machines will be installed through NADRA at all the international airports.

This system will provide record of any passenger travelling abroad to all the four departments linked with it besides verification of passport, sources said.

The ministry of interior has already launched a joint-investigation to probe the real facts of the incident of Afghans travelling on fake documents from Islamabad to London. The British border agency team had also visited Islamabad recently to review the progress of probe into this human trafficking case.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2014.