Govt Starts Action Against Airport Officials Allegedly Involved in Passport Blocking and Bribery

The federal government has initiated an inquiry into allegations of passport blocking and bribery at airports, following a letter from the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) in France. According to details, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain has taken notice of the complaints, which claim that officials posted at airports are blocking passports and extorting expatriates by demanding hefty bribes. Chaudhry Salik Hussain has formally written to the Ministry of Interior, urging an investigation into the matter. The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) in France sent a letter on March 3 to both the minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, outlining serious complaints from overseas Pakistanis. The letter alleges that thousands of overseas Pakistanis, particularly those residing in Italy, Greece, Portugal, and other European countries, are being harassed at various airports in Pakistan. It claims that corrupt officials are using the pretext of passport blocking to demand bribes ranging from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 500,000 per passenger. The PBF states that while the government has blocked numerous passports, corrupt airport staff are exploiting the situation. The letter describes how expatriates returning to Pakistan are allegedly stopped and pressured into paying bribes, or else they risk being denied entry or facing delays in their travel. “This is a new method of harassment,” the letter states. “Overseas Pakistanis are being stopped and forced to pay massive bribes, disrupting their travel plans and causing them severe distress.” The letter further highlights that the overseas community had just begun celebrating the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights when this new crisis emerged. The PBF has urged the government to take immediate action, restore expatriates’ confidence, and prevent further exploitation. In response, Chaudhry Salik Hussain has formally written to the Ministry of Interior, recommending a thorough investigation into the allegations. “This is a very sensitive issue that must be addressed without delay,” he said. “Overseas Pakistanis are our national asset, and they should not face such unjust treatment.” The minister emphasized that those involved in corrupt practices must be identified and held accountable. He also announced the establishment of a facilitation desk at airports to assist overseas Pakistanis and prevent further incidents. “The abuse of expatriates will not be tolerated,” Hussain stated. “We will ensure their concerns are addressed and their rights protected.”