Why Pakistan is rolling out e-gates at its three busiest airports
Pakistan is introducing electronic gates at its three busiest airports in a move to modernise immigration and cut long wait times for international travellers.
The e-gates will be installed at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore airports and are expected to be in place within two years.
Officials say the system will allow travellers to pass through immigration more quickly without having to speak directly to border staff.
The gates will use digital technology, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans, to check passengers' documents and identities.
The Pakistan Airports Authority said the project is part of a broader push to bring the country’s airports up to international standards. About 100 gates will be set up, and the project has been developed in partnership with the German firm M2P Consulting.
German experts working on the design also conducted a workshop in Karachi and met with local stakeholders, including Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Additional Director of Engineering Services Adnan Ahmed said the plan is to deliver a secure and efficient solution that eases pressure on immigration officers while improving security.
The self-service system is expected to benefit both passengers and staff, offering a faster and smoother travel experience.
The upgrade comes amid efforts to expand Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and improve services for growing numbers of international travellers.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
