Over 150 FIA officers and more than 200 partner personnel trained under four-year IOM project; 21 operational centers upgraded with modern border management systems
Peshawar (Khalid Khan): Under a four-year project funded by the Government of Japan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has provided the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) with advanced border management equipment, specialized transport vehicles, and modern training facilities, significantly enhancing Pakistan’s capacity to combat human trafficking, irregular migration, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes.
A ceremony marking the completion of the initiative was held at the FIA Headquarters in Islamabad. The event was attended by Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, and senior officials from the Embassy of Japan, IOM, and the FIA.
Under the project, the FIA received state-of-the-art biometric systems, computerized and information technology equipment, advanced surveillance systems, communication infrastructure, and solar energy systems. These resources have been deployed across 21 FIA operational centers nationwide, including the National Command and Control Center at FIA Headquarters, enabling more effective monitoring and enforcement against human trafficking, irregular migration, cybercrime, and other transnational criminal activities.
The IOM also handed over three specialized transport vans to the FIA for use at the international airports in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, ensuring the safe, dignified, and timely assistance of Pakistani nationals returning from abroad.
As part of the initiative, the FIA Training Academy was modernized and renovated according to international standards, with work completed in March 2026. The upgraded academy now features advanced IT infrastructure, enhanced security systems, and modern training classrooms. The facility trains approximately 1,000 FIA officers annually, further strengthening the Agency’s professional capabilities.
During the project, more than 150 FIA officers received specialized training in modern border management, travel document verification, biometric authentication, investigation techniques, and human rights-based operational practices. The program also developed a cadre of master trainers, including female officers, to ensure the FIA’s long-term training capacity.
Additionally, over 200 participants from the FIA, provincial police departments, and civil society organizations were trained in the identification, screening, and assistance of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
Addressing the ceremony, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar emphasized that effective management of complex border security challenges and transnational crime requires strong international cooperation. He stated that the further strengthening of the National Command and Control Center would significantly enhance the FIA’s operational capabilities.
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi said that security and human rights are not opposing concepts but complementary principles. He noted that a strong, professional, and humane border management system is essential for safeguarding both the state and its citizens and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing such cooperation with Pakistan.
In his remarks, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato stated that modern border management extends far beyond regulating cross-border movement and is closely linked to national security, economic connectivity, regional cooperation, and the protection of human dignity. She added that Japan’s support has substantially strengthened the institutional capacity of Pakistan’s relevant authorities.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation among Japan, the IOM, and the FIA to further strengthen Pakistan’s secure, modern, and human rights-compliant border management system.