Islamabad: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken a significant step forward in enhancing border control and risk management with the inauguration of a Risk Analysis Unit and a Third Line Technical Forensic Lab at FIA Headquarters (HQs). An inauguration ceremony celebrated the opening of a refurbished Forensic Laboratory for examining suspected forged documents and combating identity fraud, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as a new Risk Analysis Office, funded by the European Union and Ministry of Interior of Austria. Both offices were equipped and completed by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) as part of an ongoing programme to strengthen the management of Pakistan’s borders.
The Risk Analysis Unit is a revolutionary step towards intelligence-based border management. It is designed to support data-driven policy making, enhance understanding of risks, ensure effective resource allocation. The Risk Analysis Unit will provide data-driven analysis and evidence-based recommendations to identify threats and risks facing Pakistan’s borders, and allow for more efficient management of border resources.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior FIA officials, including the ADG Headquarters, ADG Immigration, Additional Director Immigration, and Director Counter Terrorism Wing.
During his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, DG FIA Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir, highlighted the importance of the offices to the FIA’s mandate to control immigration and counter serious and organised crime: “Effective, open and secure border management is critical to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens, promoting stability, and facilitating trade and development.” DG FIA expressed gratitude to the international community for their support in establishing the Risk Analysis Unit and the Three Lines Border Control Concept. He also highlighted the economic, social, and political challenges posed by illegal immigration and emphasized the need for cooperation and joint efforts to address these issues.
International representatives, including Dr. Sebastian Lorion from the European Union, Marija Raus from ICMPD, Peter Emil Nielsen from the Danish Embassy, and Hans Machur from the Austrian Embassy, also addressed the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sebastien Lorion, remarked that, “Today marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to safe and orderly migration. The opening of the FIA’s Risk Analysis Unit and Forensic Laboratory reflects the strength of our partnership with Pakistan in tackling irregular migration and enhancing border management.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Marija Raus noted the importance of international partnerships with Denmark, Austria and the European Union to strengthen the FIA’s border management capacity: “The headline today is the improved capacity of the FIA to curb irregular migration. The FIA can pursue an evidence-based, data driven approach to border management, implemented by officers with the right skills and tools in the right place.”
Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen, stressed the importance of border control being “not only effective but also fair, just, and respectful of human rights” and applauded the significant steps taken by ICMPD and the FIA to enhance the capacity in detection of travel document forgery and improve the overall border security in Pakistan.
While the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Austria in Pakistan, Mr. Hannes Machor, praised the FIA’s efforts to institutionalize the newly developed offices as a clear demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to improve border management.
The ceremony concluded with DG FIA thanking all stakeholders, including ICMPD, the EU, and the governments of Denmark and Austria, for their invaluable support.
