On Wednesday, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) released a detailed advise for the first time in 20 years, targeting the prevention of human trafficking and the enhancement of passenger monitoring for those going to and from Pakistan.

The action is prompted by increasing apprehensions over the exploitation of susceptible individuals for forced labor and trafficking.

The recommendation, derived from a comprehensive review of the Immigration and Border Management System (IBMS) database from July to December, underscores the escalating necessity for enhanced monitoring of travelers from 15 nations.

The measures specifically target passengers from nine Pakistani locations and some foreign airlines, representing a crucial advancement in the nation’s initiatives to combat the escalating problem of human trafficking.

Cities and airlines facing examination

The alert identifies nine Pakistani cities: Mandi Bahauddin, Gujarat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, and Bhimber. The advise has, for the first time, explicitly instructed authorities to enhance inspection of passengers aged 15 to 40 going internationally.

The countries of interest include Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya, Russia, and Egypt. The advise additionally mandates a comprehensive examination into travelers heading to Libya, Iran, Mauritania, Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, and Kyrgyzstan. These regions have been identified due to their correlation with heightened human trafficking activity in recent years.

Stricter requirements for international carriers

Two international airlines, one from the Gulf area and the other from Africa, have been added to the advice. The FIA has mandated that these airlines completely participate in the verification of passenger documents, especially for those traveling to or from Pakistan.

The advise underscores the necessity of meticulously examining all documentation, including return tickets and hotel reservations, with special focus on individuals going on visit or tourist visas. Officials have been directed to interrogate dubious travelers regarding the intent of their journey, their financial provisions, and to keep meticulous documentation of their actions.

Additionally, all irregularities must be reported immediately, and passengers exhibiting suspicious behavior should be investigated further. Authorities have been implored to guarantee comprehensive evaluations of all individuals, particularly those journeying to nations with a significant risk of human trafficking.

Starlink applied for a license on February 24, 2022, and is currently in communication with the new regulatory body, according to a briefing given to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, which was chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the PTA Chairman.

Starlink needs to register with both the PSB and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) before to starting its satellite services in Pakistan. According to the PTA Chairman, the body will proceed with further actions after the registration procedure is over.

Along with Starlink, Shanghai Space Technology is also making its debut in Pakistan, which should boost internet access and spur technical advancement in the nation.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also made it plain that until it has government approval, it is unable to grant a license to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink.

The chairman stated that Starlink has promised to adhere to government regulations and not circumvent the system.

The committee also chose to call a meeting of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to take up the topic of space technology regulation. Additionally, the committee asked why the PTA is assigning its duties to other groups.

Prior to the launch of Starlink in Pakistan, Elon Musk, the CEO of SPACEX, stated that he was seeking permission from the Pakistani government.

According to information, Pakistani social media user Sanam Jamali and Elon Musk had a discussion on the launch of Starlink in Pakistan on the social media site X (previously Twitter).

Sanam asked Musk to launch Starlink in Pakistan, claiming that it might open the door to a better future by giving people access to the internet and chances to advance.

In response, Musk said that he is awaiting Pakistani official approval to introduce Starlink there. Through a massive network of satellites, SpaceX’s Starlink offers internet services.

Starlink

SpaceX, a private aircraft manufacturer and space transport services provider established by Elon Musk, is the developer of the Starlink satellite internet network. The constellation uses a network of thousands of tiny satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to deliver fast, dependable, and worldwide internet connectivity.

The way we access the internet could be completely changed by this cutting-edge technology, particularly in isolated and underdeveloped locations where conventional fiber-optic and cellular networks are scarce or nonexistent.

High-speed internet access with latency as low as 20 ms is what the Starlink constellation is intended to provide; this is on par with or even better than many current fiber-optic networks.

Every Starlink satellite includes a phased array antenna, which enables it to connect with numerous users at once, offering a flexible and high-capacity network. Fast and dependable internet connection is available to users from almost anywhere in the world with Starlink, which is an exciting advancement for digital inclusion and global connectedness.

Official guides, or nazmeen, will be assigned to help pilgrims on their journey under this new arrangement, according to reports.

There will be 600 nazeem in all, with one nazim for every 150 pilgrims. These guides will accompany the pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back, ensuring their safe passage and providing guidance on performing Hajj rituals, sources said.

Along with helping pilgrims stay in Saudi Arabia, the nazmeen will also offer assistance during the Hajj ceremonies. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has emphasized that the nazeem’s assistance will enable pilgrims to perform their Hajj duties more efficiently.

The flight schedule will be revealed, and pilgrims will be notified of their assigned nazmeen.

Regarding services and support for pilgrims performing the Hajj in 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has already declared that no carelessness would be accepted.

During a meeting to discuss Hajj 2025 preparations, PM Shehbaz gave instructions to make sure the Hujjaj had all the facilities and support they needed for the forthcoming Hajj.

“Pilgrims are the guests of Allah Almighty, therefore no negligence will be accepted in terms of services and assistance for them,” he said.

In the upcoming days, PM Shehbaz has instructed that a thorough briefing on Hajj 2025 preparations be prepared and presented to him.

He also gave instructions to give a thorough briefing on the requirements for choosing Moavineen Hajj (Hajj aides), their duties, and other arrangements.