World ( The cow news digital ) Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reported a significant rise in the misuse of foreign visas by Pakistani nationals, particularly in the United Kingdom, where around 10,000 individuals reportedly used student visas improperly and subsequently applied for asylum.
The disclosure was made by FIA Director General during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz. The session reviewed issues related to deportations, irregular migration, and human smuggling trends involving Pakistani citizens abroad.
According to the FIA, several countries including members of the European Union have raised concerns regarding the increasing number of Pakistani nationals found residing illegally or violating visa conditions. Officials warned that such cases are damaging Pakistan’s international reputation and creating diplomatic challenges.
The briefing highlighted that in 2025 alone, approximately 39,786 individuals attempting to travel abroad without valid documentation were offloaded at various airports. Authorities also stated that more than 3,000 individuals were stopped due to immigration watchlists and Interpol alerts.
The FIA further revealed emerging migration routes involving countries such as Malaysia and Uzbekistan, which are increasingly being used as transit points for human smuggling networks. Officials described these routes as part of a shifting pattern in illegal migration strategies.
In addition, the agency reported that around 7,000 Pakistani nationals who traveled to Azerbaijan on visit visas did not return as expected. Similarly, 580 individuals who traveled to Belarus also failed to return to Pakistan.
The DG FIA noted that authorities have successfully reduced organized begging networks by 75 percent and decreased the use of forged documents by 31 percent through sustained enforcement actions and monitoring.
He also confirmed that 175 Pakistani nationals were detained in Libya and subsequently repatriated with the assistance of relevant authorities.
Officials stressed the need for stricter documentation checks, improved oversight of travel agents, and stronger legal action against human smuggling networks. They emphasized that coordinated efforts are required to prevent visa misuse and protect the integrity of Pakistan’s immigration system.
The committee was informed that continued reforms and enforcement measures are underway to curb illegal migration, ensure compliance with international travel regulations, and address concerns raised by foreign governments.
Authorities reiterated that while legitimate international travel and study opportunities remain important for Pakistanis, misuse of visa categories undermines both individual prospects and national credibility.
