Karachi Imposes Restriction on More Than Two People for Airport Pick and Drop

The Sindh government has imposed a new restriction at Karachi’s main airport, limiting pick-and-drop access to no more than two individuals per passenger in an effort to strengthen security arrangements. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh’s provincial interior minister to review prevailing security threats and preventive measures. The meeting was attended by the provincial home secretary, the Inspector General of Police Sindh, and other senior officials, who provided a detailed briefing on the overall law and order situation and potential risks facing key installations, including the airport. Authorities emphasized that in light of past incidents and security challenges, strict decisions are necessary to ensure public safety and prevent untoward events. The provincial leadership stressed that the heavy rush at the airport, particularly in departure and arrival areas, creates vulnerabilities that must be addressed immediately through stricter crowd management and enhanced surveillance. Under the new directive, only one to two persons will be allowed to accompany or receive a passenger at the airport for pick-and-drop purposes, a move aimed at reducing congestion and enabling security personnel to monitor movements more effectively. Officials explained that excessive gatherings at entry and exit points make it difficult to maintain foolproof security and can potentially provide opportunities for miscreants to exploit crowded situations. The provincial interior minister noted that comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be developed to ensure quick response capabilities at any potential incident site, adding that coordinated planning and preparedness are essential in dealing with evolving security threats. He instructed law enforcement agencies to strengthen coordination with all relevant institutions, including intelligence and federal authorities, to ensure seamless information sharing and operational efficiency. Emphasis was also placed on enhancing security protocols across Sindh, not only at the airport but at all critical and sensitive installations. The minister directed that a thorough security audit of important buildings, infrastructure, and public facilities be conducted to identify and address vulnerabilities. Furthermore, he ordered an indiscriminate crackdown against the public display of weapons, stating that such actions contribute to a climate of fear and undermine the rule of law. The meeting also reviewed prison security across the province, with instructions issued to ensure the availability of modern search application devices in all Sindh prisons to prevent the smuggling of contraband and improve monitoring systems. Another key directive included making the presence of lady searchers mandatory at all provincial entry and exit points to ensure proper checking procedures for women in accordance with legal and cultural requirements. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to implementing all provisions of the National Action Plan in both letter and spirit, highlighting the importance of sustained counterterrorism measures and institutional vigilance. The airport restriction is part of a broader strategy to minimize risks associated with large public gatherings and to improve emergency response readiness. Authorities acknowledged that while the new rules may cause inconvenience to some members of the public, they are necessary to safeguard lives and maintain order. Security experts at the meeting pointed out that airports are high-value and sensitive locations that require constant monitoring, especially in densely populated urban centers like Karachi. By limiting the number of accompanying individuals, officials hope to reduce overcrowding, streamline traffic flow, and allow security personnel to focus more effectively on screening and surveillance tasks. The provincial government reiterated that public cooperation is vital for the success of these measures and urged citizens to adhere to the new guidelines in the interest of collective safety. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the updated policy while treating passengers and their families with courtesy and professionalism. The decision reflects the Sindh government’s broader commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, improving inter-agency coordination, and proactively addressing potential threats before they materialize.