Mustafa Hameed Malik, Director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s Integrated Border Management System, has explained how Pakistan’s border management framework is evolving and shared plans for a new e-immigration mobile application designed to reduce waiting times and streamline passenger boarding. The Integrated Border Management System, or IBMS, plays a key role in enhancing immigration controls, improving coordination among government agencies, and supporting secure, technology-driven border management across the country.
Malik highlighted that the FIA is installing electronic gates at airports as part of this upgrade. These e-gates will allow eligible travelers to clear immigration independently by scanning their passports, eliminating the need to use traditional counters. The scanned data will be automatically processed in the IBMS, significantly reducing waiting times, with full immigration clearance expected to take around ten seconds.
He also announced the upcoming launch of an AI-powered e-immigration mobile application aimed at preventing illegal immigration. Travelers will be able to download the app on their smartphones, enter personal and travel details, and have their information verified against official databases, including national identity card and passport records. Machine learning tools will then generate passenger profiles automatically, improving risk assessment and screening at immigration checkpoints.
The system will allow travelers to enter flight numbers and ticket information in advance, ensuring that all necessary data is available in the IBMS before arriving at the airport. This pre-verification process will help passengers skip queues and move smoothly through immigration and boarding. Malik also noted that the FIA’s Risk Assessment Unit uses the system to identify high-risk or flight-risk passengers, including those attempting to leave the country illegally through human smuggling or other unauthorized channels.
This initiative reflects a broader vision to integrate artificial intelligence into Pakistan’s border security and immigration management, making travel faster, safer, and more efficient while strengthening the country’s ability to prevent illegal movement across borders.
