Despite previous failed attempts and ongoing rightsizing measures, the government is considering the establishment of a new Passport and Border Control Authority (PBCA) to strengthen border surveillance and address issues related to human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
According to media reports, the draft under review proposes removing certain powers from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), particularly those related to immigration.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports’ responsibilities may be shifted to a more effective leadership under the new authority.
The previous attempt to create a similar entity, the Pakistan Immigration, Passports and Visa Authority (PIPVA), stumbled due to opposition from police officers in the agency.
However, recent security concerns, including illegal border crossings from neighboring countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and India, have revived the push for the PBCA.
Officials argue that while the armed forces and civil law enforcement agencies are responsible for guarding Pakistan’s 7,500-km border, more effective surveillance is necessary at around 16 to 18 key entry and exit points.
The new authority aims to shift focus from passport-related issues to national security threats like human trafficking and smuggling.
The draft highlights current inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement in the FIA, which oversees immigration and white-collar crime investigations.
The proposed PBCA would be tasked exclusively with immigration and border security, allowing the FIA to concentrate on white-collar crimes and money laundering.
Regional countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Turkey, have adopted similar models by separating immigration control from law enforcement agencies.
The PBCA proposal draws inspiration from these nations, aiming to improve border security, reduce trafficking, and prevent further tragedies.
To expedite implementation, the relevant authorities are working to pass the bill within a month.
The proposed authority would be led by a Grade 22 officer, with additional senior officers and military personnel stationed at key border points.
Once enacted, the PBCA is expected to become fully operational within six months, with the transfer of responsibilities from the FIA completed in two months.
Source: DAWN
