The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated legal action, through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), against those involved in the dissemination of fabricated information on social media regarding the offloading of passengers.
In recent months, numerous incidents have been reported of travelers being discharged of flights at various airports, despite possessing valid travel documents. The actions occurred after a take strong action on migrant smuggling after last year Boat tragedy in Greece which claimed several Pakistani lives. Earlier this month, FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar admitted that incidents of people disembarking had been reported at Lahore and Karachi airports and that investigations were being carried out.
According to sources, more than 15 such social media accounts were initially found to be involved in spreading baseless propaganda and hatred against the provinces.
It was learned that the FIA has initiated actions identifying social media accounts that spread fabricated information. Legal action is being taken through the NCCIA under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, against those involved in baseless propaganda.
According to FIA officials, some elements were spreading false and misleading publications about the unloading of passengers, with the aim of damaging the reputation of the institution and generating concern among the public. They added that the FIA Immigration Wing does not discharge passengers who have complete documents and a legitimate reason to travel at any airport in the country.
Passengers are discharged with incomplete or false travel documents. Those who provide suspicious or unclear information are also discharged, as well as those suspected of being influenced by human traffickers or illegal agents. In the past, strict action was taken against people with a history of illegal activities or a history of problematic travel, officials added.
FIA officials made it clear that the public should not worry too much about the matter. Rather, they should stay away from illegal agents and always travel with complete and verified documents.
They advised that in case of a complaint, the public should contact the deputy director of the FIA Immigration Wing or its helpline at 1991.
Earlier today, the agency clarified that people were only unloaded or denied boarding if they did not have valid documents or if authorities suspected they were working with migrant smugglers.
In a video statement shared today, FIA Lahore Zone Director Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Zia addressed the recent issue of “misleading AI-generated videos and false information circulating on social media regarding alleged dumping incidents at airports”.
“All these rumors have no connection with reality,” Zia said, referring to reports of people being fired “for no reason.”
