The Ministry of Defense has ordered Karachi and Lahore airports to add immigration counters and scanners and fix long delays after complaints from international passengers.
Defense Ministry Steps In After Passenger Complaints
The Ministry of Defense has issued a formal notice to the management of Karachi and Lahore airports over serious shortcomings in passenger handling and immigration facilities. According to media reports, the move comes after the ministry received repeated complaints about long queues, slow processing and poor services, especially for overseas Pakistanis returning home. Sources said the Secretary of Defense has now directed airport authorities to upgrade passenger services in line with international standards so that travellers arriving in Pakistan do not have to face hours-long delays at the very start or end of their journey.
More Immigration Counters to Cut Long Queues
One of the key instructions issued to both airports is to increase the number of immigration counters. Currently, passengers arriving during peak international flight times often find themselves stuck in long queues, with some reporting delays of several hours before they can clear immigration. By adding more counters and properly staffing them, the ministry expects waiting times to come down and passenger flow to improve. The directive specifically mentions the need to manage rush hours better so that terminal halls are not overcrowded and passengers can move through the arrival process more smoothly.
Additional Scanners and Stronger Security Handling
The Ministry of Defense has also ordered the installation of additional security scanning machines at Karachi and Lahore airports. These scanners are used to screen passengers and luggage before entry into secure areas of the terminal. Insufficient scanning capacity can create bottlenecks at security checkpoints, leading to long lines, missed flights and rising frustration among travellers. By increasing the number of machines, the ministry aims to speed up security checks while maintaining safety standards. The directive stresses that better handling at security should translate into greater convenience for passengers without compromising on risk management.
Focus on Overseas Pakistanis and International Travellers
According to the sources quoted in the report, the Secretary of Defense has asked airport administrations to pay special attention to the experience of overseas Pakistanis. Many expatriates travel long distances to visit family or conduct business in Pakistan and expect reasonable service levels upon arrival. However, complaints of hours-long delays at immigration counters and security checkpoints have raised concerns in government circles about the image of the country’s major gateways. The new instructions are intended to ensure that returning Pakistanis and foreign visitors can pass through the airports with less stress and confusion, particularly after long international flights.
Warning of Further Action if Problems Continue
The notice from the Ministry of Defense is not just advisory in tone. Airport administrations have been directed to implement the new measures without delay and to report on improvements. The ministry has also warned that further action could be taken against airport management if complaints from passengers continue at the same level. While the exact nature of such action has not been detailed, the warning signals that the federal authorities are prepared to hold senior management accountable for service failures that damage the reputation of Pakistan’s busiest airports.
What Better Facilities Could Mean for Passengers
If the directives are fully implemented, travellers using Karachi and Lahore airports could see shorter queues at immigration, faster security checks and a more orderly flow of passengers through terminals. This would be a welcome change for frequent flyers, overseas workers returning for holidays and business travellers who depend on reliable scheduling. Improved facilities may also help airlines operate their schedules more efficiently by reducing delays linked to airport congestion. In the longer term, bringing services closer to international standards could strengthen Pakistan’s position as a regional air travel hub and make the overall travel experience more comfortable and predictable for passengers.
