ISLAMABAD: The administration of former US President Donald Trump has backed a $2.4 billion investment proposal by American firm Securiport to deploy advanced passenger screening systems at major airports across Pakistan.
According to official documents, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker has urged Pakistani authorities to consider the proposal, which aims to install Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. These technologies would enhance border security by enabling real-time identification of criminal and transnational threats.
The proposed system ensures secure data transfer from airlines to the government, while allowing Pakistan to retain full ownership and control of all passenger data, along with 24/7 operational support and training.
Under the plan, Securiport would finance the upfront investment and recover costs over a 25-year period through a government-approved passenger security surcharge. The company has also pledged to establish a local subsidiary and train over 1,000 Pakistani professionals in advanced security technologies.
The systems are expected to be operated by the Federal Investigation Agency, integrating biometric-enabled border management with international databases to strengthen national security.
The proposal aligns with Pakistan’s broader push for automated border control systems, including e-gates managed by the Pakistan Airports Authority. These systems are designed to reduce passenger clearance time from several minutes to under 45 seconds through biometric verification and facial recognition.
However, the initiative comes amid scrutiny over procurement transparency. The Senate Standing Committee on Defence has raised concerns regarding compliance with public procurement rules, while Transparency International Pakistan has approached the Prime Minister’s Office over alleged violations in the awarding of related contracts.
The proposal is also being viewed in the context of reforms linked to the International Monetary Fund, which has urged Pakistan to limit direct contracting practices under governance and anti-corruption measures.
If approved, the investment could significantly modernize Pakistan’s airport security infrastructure while strengthening cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in areas of border control and counterterrorism.
Story by Shahbaz Rana
