FIA develops AI-based app to ease immigration, curb human smuggling

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has developed an artificial intelligence-based mobile application aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and strengthening efforts against human smuggling.

The initiative, introduced on the direction of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, will begin as a pilot project at Islamabad International Airport. The minister was briefed about the project during a meeting at FIA headquarters, where he reviewed progress on modernisation plans.

A step forward in border management

Officials said the new AI-driven app will ease immigration processes for travellers by reducing queues at counters, while also providing a more effective system for detecting irregular migration.

FIA to open six link offices abroad to fight human smuggling

Appreciating the project, the interior minister described it as a vital step forward and announced immediate funding to improve FIA’s IT infrastructure.

Read more: SECP accused of irregular pay raises and misuse of funds

“This step will save passengers from unnecessary waiting and make our fight against human smugglers more effective,” Naqvi said.

He also directed the upgradation of FIA headquarters and ordered the Capital Development Authority to hand over newly allotted land for the FIA Academy. Recruitment against vacant posts will also begin soon to address staff shortages.

Crackdowns and past initiatives

The FIA has been scaling up its anti-smuggling operations over the past two years. Between 2023 and 2025, the agency arrested more than 200 suspects linked to human trafficking, freezing assets worth over Rs600 million and seizing bank accounts holding more than Rs115 million.

Additional arrests connected to boat tragedies brought recoveries worth Rs24.5 million, along with the freezing of properties valued at Rs818 million.

In October 2023, the FIA also partnered with the European Union and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) to launch a state-of-the-art “second line” border control office at Islamabad International Airport.

The facility, equipped with advanced forensic and IT tools, has already bolstered the agency’s ability to detect forgeries and monitor smuggling trends.

Director General FIA Raja Riffat Mukhtar, who briefed the minister on the AI project, said the agency’s growing technological capacity would strengthen its border control systems and protect vulnerable citizens from trafficking networks.

Read next: Jazz pushes back against audit report, denies overcharging claims