Islamabad, 27 February 2025 – The crucial role of the newly-established Risk Analysis system in combatting irregular migration in Pakistan was highlighted during the closing conference of the RAPAK Project that took place in Islamabad.
The Closing Conference
The event, marking the closing of the “Support to Federal Investigation Agency’s capacities for enhanced risk management – Pilot” (RAPAK) project, publicised the establishment of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) first ever Risk Analysis Unit (RAU), and the role it is playing in countering irregular migration from Pakistan. The (RAPAK) project was funded by the European Union and Ministry of Interior of Austria under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), and implemented by ICMPD.
Attendees included HQ and border-based officers from the FIA, representatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Smuggling and Trafficking, alongside international colleagues from the European Union, Austria, embassies and international organisations present in Islamabad.
ADG Immigration FIA, Mr. Abbas Ahsan, highlighted in his closing remarks: “The Risk Analysis Unit has already made a marked impact in the FIA’s efforts to interrupt dangerous journeys from Pakistan, that all too often end in tragedy. Last year the FIA increased the interception of suspicious travellers at our external borders by 16%, through enhanced Risk Profiling.”
“We congratulate the Federal Investigation Agency on the setting up of the new unit and we are thankful for their trust in ICMPD as a partner. Pakistan’s Risk Analysis system is a shining example of how international cooperation between Pakistan and Europe can prevent dangerous migration attempts and improve the safety of migrants” said Sedef Dearing, ICMPD Deputy Director General.
What is Risk Analysis?
Risk Analysis refers to the collection of a wide range of data from zonal offices and border crossing points, as well as from open sources, on the situation at and beyond Pakistan’s borders. The collected data is then analysed with the aim of creating a picture of the situation, threats and risks facing Pakistan’s borders. This analysis provides policy makers, managers and operational officers with guidance and recommendations to address these. Risk Analysis is therefore a cornerstone of effective, modern border control that provides the foundation to guarantee secure, open, and efficient borders.
Throughout the duration of the RAPAK project, several key interventions have supported the development of the FIA’s institutional structures with Risk Analysis functions. A new section, the Risk Analysis Unit (RAU), was established with state-of-the-art IT equipment, and permanent FIA analysts, who were trained to advanced level on Risk Analysis by the project. The operation of the new section is governed by Terms of Reference, Operational Instructions and Analytical Guidelines, all produced by the project.
As well as supporting the headquarters-based RAU, the project achievements also extend to the creation of Risk Analysis focal points and work stations across 15 Border Crossing Points, the development of recommendations for enhanced cooperation within the FIA between RAU and investigative units at zonal and BCP level, and developing a pool of FIA master trainers to act as sustainability champions and raise awareness of Risk Analysis across the FIA ranks.
Background
The “Support to Federal Investigation Agency’s capacities for enhanced risk management – Pilot” ((RAPAK) project supported the establishment of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) first ever Risk Analysis Unit (RAU). The (RAPAK) project was funded by the European Union and Ministry of Interior of Austria in the framework of the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) and implemented by ICMPD between January 2022 – February 2025.
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 21 Member States and more than 580 staff members. Active in more than 90 countries worldwide, it takes a regional approach in its work to create efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The Vienna-based organisation has a mission in Brussels, a regional office in Malta and project offices in several countries. ICMPD receives funding from its Member States, the European Commission, the UN, and other multilateral institutions, as well as bilateral donors. Founded in 1993, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 700 partners including EU institutions and UN agencies.
The Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) is a European Union (EU)-funded initiative supporting the external dimension of EU migration policy. Launched in January 2016, the MPF supports dialogue and cooperation on migration and mobility between EU Member States and priority partner countries outside the EU through four components: Grants, Technical Assistance and Support, Dialogue and Knowledge and Communication. The MPF is implemented by ICMPD through funding from the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) of the European Commission.
For more information, please contact:
Fawad Haider
Head of Office, ICMPD Pakistan
