ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving towards a modern “one-window” airport clearance system aimed at reducing passenger wait times and improving border security through the use of e-gates and smart scanners. The initiative is part of a joint strategy by the Ministries of Defence and Interior to streamline airport operations amid rising travel demand.
The decision was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where officials reviewed measures to tackle congestion at major airports while strengthening checks against illegal activities such as human smuggling. The meeting included senior officials from the Federal Investigation Agency, civil aviation authorities, and other departments.
According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan handled 25.4 million passengers in 2025, reflecting a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. The surge in passenger traffic has led to frequent complaints about long queues and delays at airports.
Under the proposed system, multiple checks conducted by different agencies will be merged into a unified clearance process using a single scanner. This approach is expected to significantly cut processing time and improve the passenger experience. Modern baggage scanners and advanced document verification systems will also be installed to enhance efficiency and security.
The plan includes the rollout of biometric e-gates equipped with facial recognition and passport scanning technology. These e-gates are expected to reduce immigration clearance time from several minutes to less than 45 seconds per passenger. The system will be integrated with databases such as the exit control list, passenger name records, and Interpol to identify high-risk individuals in real time.
Officials emphasized that while the focus is on facilitating travelers, security measures will not be compromised. Data from the Federal Investigation Agency indicates that over 1,200 human smuggling attempts were intercepted at airports in 2025.
The phased implementation of the new system is expected to begin at Islamabad International Airport, with plans to expand to other airports nationwide. The initiative is seen as a major step towards modernizing Pakistan’s airport infrastructure and improving travel efficiency.
