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PM Shehbaz Orders Committee to Probe Passenger Offloading at Airports
PM Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of repeated incidents of passengers being offloaded from flights despite valid documents, forming a special committee to ensure safe migration and protect travellers’ rights.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-15
PM Shehbaz Orders Committee to Probe Passenger Offloading at Airports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the increasing number of incidents in which passengers travelling abroad are being offloaded from flights despite holding valid travel documents. Following these complaints, the prime minister has ordered the formation of a special committee to thoroughly review the matter and propose measures to ensure safe and lawful migration.

The development was confirmed by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Monday. He said the committee has been tasked with examining the issue of passenger offloading at airports and formulating recommendations to safeguard the rights of genuine travellers.

Over recent months, several incidents have been reported across various airports where passengers were stopped from boarding flights, even though they possessed complete documentation, including valid visas. These actions intensified after authorities launched a crackdown on illegal migration and human smuggling in the aftermath of the Greece boat tragedy in 2024, which claimed the lives of several Pakistani nationals.

In a statement, Chaudhry Salik Hussain acknowledged public concerns and said that despite having complete and verified documents, some passengers were still being offloaded. He stressed that the newly formed committee would focus on developing recommendations aimed at ensuring safe migration, which he described as a fundamental right of citizens.

The minister added that the committee is expected to hold its first meeting this week and will submit its proposals by the end of January. He also praised the role of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) for its efforts in promoting and facilitating safe migration practices.

Previously, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also addressed the issue during a visit to Islamabad International Airport last month, stating that no passenger with genuine and complete documentation should be stopped from travelling abroad.

Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had clarified on November 27 that offloading or denial of boarding only applies to individuals lacking valid documents or those suspected of involvement with migrant smuggling networks.
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OverseasPakistanis

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