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By Web Desk :
The administration of Donald Trump is backing a $2.4bn proposal by a US firm to modernise security systems at Pakistan’s major airports, in a move that could significantly reshape the country’s border management infrastructure.
The proposal, put forward by Securiport, centres on the installation of Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems. These technologies are designed to allow authorities to screen travellers in real time, helping identify potential security threats and individuals linked to transnational crime.
According to officials, the plan has received support from senior US diplomats in Islamabad, who have urged Pakistan to consider the offer. The system would be operated locally by the Federal Investigation Agency, while ensuring that all passenger data remains under Pakistani government control.
Under the proposed model, Securiport would finance the initial deployment, recovering its investment through a passenger security surcharge over a 25-year period. The company has also pledged to establish a local presence and train more than 1,000 Pakistani workers in advanced security technologies.
The development comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing scrutiny over a separate airport modernisation initiative led by the Pakistan Airports Authority. Plans to introduce automated e-gate systems — aimed at speeding up passenger processing using biometric identification — have drawn criticism over transparency and procurement practices.
Lawmakers, including members of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, have questioned the awarding of contracts under direct procurement rules, raising concerns about compliance with regulations set by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. The issue has also attracted attention from Transparency International, which has flagged potential irregularities.
At the same time, the International Monetary Fund has called for reforms to procurement policies, including the removal of provisions that allow direct contracting with state-owned enterprises, adding further pressure on authorities to review existing arrangements.
Despite the controversy, the proposed e-gate system is expected to significantly reduce passenger processing times and integrate with international security databases, including those maintained by Interpol.
It remains unclear whether Pakistan will proceed with the US-backed proposal, and officials have so far declined to comment on ongoing discussions. However, analysts say the decision could have far-reaching implications, not only for aviation security but also for broader cooperation between Pakistan and international partners in areas such as counterterrorism and data management.
If approved, the project would mark one of the largest foreign-backed investments in Pakistan’s aviation security sector, though its long-term financial and regulatory implications are likely to face close scrutiny.
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