ISLAMABAD: Illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe has declined by 64 percent, Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry told the Senate on Tuesday, citing figures attributed to a European Union commissioner.
The minister said the government had intensified efforts to curb illegal migration, prevent identity-document fraud and take action against officials involved in issuing fraudulent Pakistani documents.
Responding to points of order raised by Senators Bilal Khan and Abid Sher Ali, Chaudhry said misuse of national identity records remained a serious concern, particularly in cases where individuals were unlawfully added to family records through forged documents or false claims.
He explained that such irregularities could occur through the involvement of relatives or individuals submitting fraudulent information to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
To address the problem, NADRA had conducted two nationwide verification campaigns, urging citizens to check their family trees, children’s B-Forms and other identity records through its helpline.
The first campaign was launched under the National Action Plan, while a second was conducted three years later.
FIA registers over 100 cases of identity-document fraud
Chaudhry informed the Senate that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had registered criminal cases against more than 100 individuals in connection with fraudulent identity documents.
He said action had also been taken against NADRA employees found involved in irregularities.
Referring to approximately 5,000 Pakistani passports identified in Saudi Arabia, the minister said officials linked to those cases had been dismissed from service.
He added that proceedings of regional boards were monitored through live streaming to improve transparency and accountability.
Records were maintained of applicants’ tokens, waiting times and the outcomes of their cases, allowing authorities to review complaints and identify procedural irregularities.
The minister invited senators to bring specific complaints to his attention for examination.
FIR alone cannot stop anyone from travelling, says minister
Responding to concerns raised by Senator Abid Sher Ali, Chaudhry clarified that the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) did not automatically prevent an individual from travelling abroad.
He said a relevant authority, such as the police or FIA, must submit a written request before travel restrictions could be considered.
The minister also addressed concerns over passport fees, saying the government had increased charges after several years.
He described the increase as nominal and maintained that Pakistani passport fees remained lower than those charged in neighbouring countries.
Illegal migration affects lawful Pakistani travellers
Chaudhry warned that illegal migration and criminal activities involving some Pakistanis overseas created difficulties for citizens travelling abroad through legal channels.
Such incidents, he said, could also affect Pakistan’s visa arrangements with other countries.
Highlighting the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, the minister said more than 10 million Pakistanis lived abroad and sent approximately $40 billion in remittances.
He stressed the importance of protecting the country’s travel documents and addressing illegal migration to safeguard opportunities for legitimate travellers.