In an unexpected development, passengers holding Punjab-issued passports have been barred from traveling abroad via Karachi Airport, sources told media on Wednesday.
According to reports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has quietly enforced an unannounced travel restriction, resulting in the offloading of several passengers over the past two days. FIA officials have allegedly been instructed to submit morning and evening reports detailing the names and travel details of all passengers offloaded under the policy.
In one notable case, 57 passengers were removed from Saudi Airlines flight SV709, including 35 Umrah pilgrims and 22 individuals holding valid work visas, Samaa TV reported this development today quoting sources.
The move has reportedly affected travelers across all airlines, including PIA and private carriers, regardless of travel purpose or visa category. The abrupt enforcement has caused severe financial losses, as tickets of offloaded passengers are being declared void, leaving them unable to claim refunds or rebook immediately.
No official statement has yet been issued by the FIA or the Interior Ministry regarding the reported policy, which has sparked widespread confusion and outrage among affected passengers and travel operators.
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Lahore’s floating restaurant
The Punjab government has unveiled plans to construct a “Ship Restaurant” on the Lahore Canal near Jallo, aimed at promoting tourism and adding new recreational attractions to the provincial capital.
According to officials, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has already invited tenders for the project, which has received formal approval from the provincial government.
PHA Director General Raja Mansoor said the floating-style Ship Restaurant will be completed within the current fiscal year, offering residents and tourists a unique dining experience along one of Lahore’s most scenic locations.
The three-storey restaurant will feature a dedicated kitchen, ample parking space, and the capacity to accommodate around 200 guests at a time. Entry will be free of charge, with visitors paying only for meals.
