Illegal migration from Pakistan reduced by 47pc: Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry on Monday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan has significantly strengthened its immigration and passport verification system, resulting in a 47 percent reduction in illegal migration from the country to various destinations worldwide, according to international monitoring agencies

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry on Monday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan has significantly strengthened its immigration and passport verification system, resulting in a 47 percent reduction in illegal migration from the country to various destinations worldwide, according to international monitoring agencies.

Responding to questions during Question Hour, he said strict immigration protocols are being implemented to ensure that no individual travels abroad on fake or unverified documents.

He said overseas employment processes are being closely monitored through protector offices to ensure proper verification before the departure of workers on employment visas.

He added that under the directives of the Prime Minister, the government has focused strongly on curbing illegal migration, particularly incidents involving human smuggling and dangerous boat journeys that had resulted in past tragedies.

Talal Chaudhry informed the House that strict enforcement measures and coordinated actions by relevant departments have led to a notable decline in illegal migration, with international agencies acknowledging a 47 percent decrease in such cases originating from Pakistan.

The minister said several enforcement actions have been taken against individuals involved in illegal documentation and immigration fraud, adding that disciplinary and criminal proceedings have been initiated against officials found involved in such activities.

He said cases have been registered against hundreds of individuals linked to fake identity documentation and passport-related violations, including staff from different levels of administration.

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Talal Chaudhry said some citizens were also found involved in misrepresenting family records, which led to the issuance of fake identity cards and passports.

He said the government has launched multiple nationwide verification campaigns to address such issues.

He informed the House that comprehensive family tree verification drives were conducted in multiple phases, during which a large number of suspicious identity cards were suspended and passports cancelled after verification.

Replying to supplementary questions, the minister said Pakistan’s passport ranking has improved over the past two years, moving significantly upward from previous lower rankings, with further improvement expected in the coming years.

He said the improvement is the result of legislative reforms, enhanced enforcement, and international recognition of Pakistan’s strengthened travel documentation system.

The minister said the government has upgraded security features in passports in line with international standards and improved the capacity building of immigration and FIA officials.

Talal Chaudhry said profiling mechanisms have also been introduced, under which first-time travelers are guided and verified before departure, reducing the risk of illegal migration.

He informed the House that the offloading of passengers involved in suspicious travel has increased fivefold compared to previous years as part of efforts to prevent human smuggling and illegal migration abroad.

APP/tsw-zah