ISLAMABAD/Ali Imran Chattha – A major proposal to overhaul security systems at Pakistan’s key airports has gained backing from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, signalling a potential boost in bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism and border management.
The $2.4 billion investment plan, put forward by a US-based firm, focuses on deploying advanced surveillance and passenger data systems to identify criminals and transnational threats before they enter or leave the country.
The proposed project centres on the installation of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, which would allow authorities to screen travellers in real time using global databases.
These systems are widely used internationally to flag suspicious travel patterns, detect forged identities, and prevent the movement of individuals linked to organised crime or terrorism. Officials say the initiative would bring Pakistan’s aviation security infrastructure in line with modern global standards.
Under the plan, the investing firm has offered to finance the entire upfront cost and recover the amount over a 25-year period through a passenger security fee, subject to government approval.
The system would be operated by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies, particularly the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with full control and ownership of data remaining with Pakistani authorities.
The project also includes biometric verification tools, automated e-gates, and integrated monitoring platforms designed to significantly reduce processing time at immigration counters.
In addition to security enhancements, the proposal includes provisions for capacity building and employment generation. A local subsidiary is expected to be established to manage operations and train over 1,000 Pakistani professionals in advanced security technologies, contributing to long-term institutional development.
However, the plan has triggered debate within policy circles, with concerns raised over financial implications for passengers, transparency in contract awarding, and data protection safeguards.
Some officials have also pointed to ongoing domestic efforts to upgrade airport systems, questioning whether parallel initiatives could lead to duplication or regulatory complications.
The government has yet to make a final decision on the proposal. If approved, the initiative could mark one of the largest foreign-backed investments in Pakistan’s aviation sector, significantly enhancing airport security while deepening strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
