Two newly equipped and refurbished offices for combating irregular migration were inaugurated at the FIA Headquarters in Islamabad today by the FIA Director General and members of the international community. 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, under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).
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 headquarters forensic laboratory, part of a network of document examination offices established by the FIA and ICMPD at international airports across the country, is equipped with the latest document examination equipment and technology. FIA officers, trained by ICMPD, will use the laboratory to forensically analyse suspected forged documents used by criminal groups to facilitate migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, among other organised crime activities. The laboratory will provide expert opinions for use in prosecutions to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Risk Analysis office provides a new working space and equipment at FIA HQ for a highly trained cadre of FIA analysts. 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.
During his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Director General Mr. Ahamd Ishaque Jahangir, 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.”
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sebastien Lorion, Team Lead, Governance and Human Capital Development EUD, Pakistan 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. The European Union stands ready to continue supporting Pakistan in this vital area of cooperation.“
Speaking at the ceremony, ICMPD’s Head of Region for the Silk Routes, 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, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark, Pakistan 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 institutionalise the newly developed offices as a clear demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to improve border management.
The forensic laboratory at FIA Headquarters was established as part of the “Rights-Based Border Management in the Silk Routes Countries” (RBM-Silk Routes) project, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to support the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan to increase its institutional and operational capacity in combatting irregular migration,and enhancing border and migration management.
The Risk Analysis Office was established within the framework of the “Support to Federal Investigation Agency’s capacities for enhanced risk management – Pilot” (RAPAK) project. The RAPAK project is funded by the European Union and Ministry of Interior of Austria under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF). The RAPAK project’s objective is to elaborate and pilot the establishment of Risk Analysis Units within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), at the HQ, zonal, and border crossing points (BCP) level.
Further information: https://www.budapestprocess.org/our-work/ibm-in-the-silk-routes-countries/
