Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed today that Pakistani passports now incorporate international security features, making them resistant to forgery. Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhary, shared this update during the Question Hour, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating human smuggling. He noted that strict measures have been taken against human traffickers, and officers from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) involved in such activities have been dismissed.
According to Radio Pakistan, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Zeb Jaffer, highlighted the operational status of Gwadar International Airport under the open sky policy. This initiative is aimed at promoting international flight operations and enhancing connectivity. The Civil Aviation Authority is actively working to assist airline operators in launching flights to and from Gwadar, she added.
The Parliamentary Secretary further informed the House that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has recently started international flights between Gwadar and Oman. Additionally, Gwadar International Airport has been equipped with refueling facilities for international flights. Zeb Jaffer also mentioned the planned upgradation and expansion of Begum Nusrat Bhutto Airport in Sukkur, with a project cost of forty billion rupees already submitted in the form of a PC-1.
The session concluded with the decision to adjourn until eleven-thirty am the following day.