Key Takeaways
- Passengers with invalid or expired National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) will no longer be allowed to board flights.
- The decision applies to all countries and has been conveyed to airlines and immigration check-posts.
- Airlines are instructed to verify the validity of NICOPs before boarding.
Pakistan's government has issued a directive barring passengers with invalid, expired or cancelled National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) from boarding flights into the country. The decision was communicated by official sources on Wednesday to all zonal directors of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
According to an official statement, this move is aimed at enforcing existing laws regarding valid travel documents and ensuring uniformity in travel regulations across state services. The directive instructs airlines to verify the validity of NICOPs before allowing passengers to board flights.
The decision has been welcomed by many, but some have expressed concerns about the practical implications for Pakistanis residing abroad who may only realize their NICOP is expired when they are at the airport. Muhammad Riaz Chaudhary, a Pakistani settled in Heidelberg, Germany, commented: 'Many Pakistanis only realise their NICOP has expired when they’re at the airport.'
The official added that passengers travelling on a foreign passport with an expired or otherwise invalid NICOP would not be allowed to board flights unless they held a valid Pakistani visa. The decision is not country-specific and will apply to all inbound travellers.
A senior FIA official stated, 'The law regarding valid travel documents was already in place but the latest directive aims at strict enforcement.' He further noted that the move aligns with other state services where an expired CNIC or NICOP leads to suspension of banking, SIM, and property rights. The FIA has been tasked with monitoring compliance at airports.
The official also mentioned that the decision had been conveyed to all immigration check-posts to ensure uniformity in implementation. He emphasized: 'Airlines should be instructed to verify the validity of NICOPs prior to boarding and refuse carriage to any passenger presenting an invalid, expired or cancelled NICOP.'
While the move for stricter enforcement has generally been welcomed, many believe that the government should ensure faster renewal services at Pakistani missions abroad. Chaudhary suggested: 'The government should provide an emergency extension or expedited renewal to avoid genuine hardship.'
Airlines should be instructed to verify the validity of NICOPs prior to boarding and refuse carriage to any passenger presenting an invalid, expired or cancelled NICOP.
Government official, Not specified
Many Pakistanis only realise their NICOP has expired when they’re at the airport. The government should provide an emergency extension or expedited renewal to avoid genuine hardship.
Muhammad Riaz Chaudhary, Pakistani settled in Heidelberg, Germany
