FIA Stops 8,149 Travelers in 2025 via Integrated Watchlist System

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intercepted 8149 passengers at airports and border crossings in 2025 after their names were flagged on the country’s consolidated “Stop List,” according to an official report. The Stop List, a comprehensive travel control mechanism, combines multiple watchlists maintained by various government departments to restrict movement of individuals involved in legal or security matters.

Officials stated that individuals are placed on these lists either at the request of law enforcement agencies or through court orders due to suspected involvement in unlawful activities or ongoing investigations. Following interception, all individuals were handed over to the respective authorities for further action.

The majority of cases – 6833 – fell under the Black List or Passport Control List (PCL), while other interceptions included 828 on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), 269 with lost passports, 116 on the Exit Control List (ECL), 88 linked to INTERPOL Red Notices, and 15 involving stolen passports. These figures highlight Pakistan’s expanding reliance on integrated border control systems and inter-agency coordination for monitoring cross-border movement, crucial in curbing crimes such as human trafficking and identity fraud.