Japan-funded 4-year project ends as FIA receives equipment for 21 border points, 3 transport vans

ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP): Pakistan’s border management received a boost as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) took over new equipment and three transport vans from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under a four-year project funded by the Government of Japan.

The support includes modern systems for 21 FIA operational points, three international airports, and training programs for more than 150 FIA officers and over 200 officials and partners.

The handover ceremony was held at FIA Headquarters in Islamabad and was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi, IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, and representatives of the Embassy of Japan, IOM, and FIA.

The project aims to strengthen Pakistan’s border management system, improve migration governance, and support efforts against human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

The equipment includes biometric devices, IT systems, surveillance tools, communication equipment, security systems, and solar-powered solutions. These resources will be used at 21 FIA locations across the country. Support was also provided to the FIA National Command and Control Centre at headquarters to improve intelligence sharing and coordination against transnational crimes, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and cybercrime.

Three transport vans were also handed over for deployment at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore international airports. The vehicles will help provide safe transport and reception for returning migrants.

As part of the project, the FIA Training Academy was upgraded in March 2026 with improved IT facilities, security systems, and renovated training areas. The academy trains around 1,000 officers every year, and the new facilities are expected to strengthen future training.

The initiative also focused on capacity building. More than 150 FIA officers received training on rights-based border management, investigation methods, and document and biometric verification. A group of FIA master trainers, including women officers, was also prepared to continue training within the department.

In addition, more than 200 participants, including FIA officials, provincial police officers, and civil society representatives, attended training on identifying and assisting victims of trafficking and migrant smuggling. Women made up more than half of the participants.

FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar said the partnership had strengthened Pakistan’s ability to improve border management and coordinated action against transnational crime.

 Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi said Japan would continue supporting border management systems that protect both national security and human dignity. IOM Pakistan Chief of Mission Mio Sato said the project had strengthened institutions and systems that would support Pakistan’s future border management needs.

The ceremony concluded with IOM and FIA thanking the Government of Japan for its continued support and reaffirming their commitment to improving migration governance in Pakistan.