Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration officers prevented two Pakistani gay men from boarding a flight at Karachi airport after questioning revealed plans to travel to Thailand and later relocate to Europe for a same-sex marriage.
The FIA spokesperson identified the passengers as Shahid, who lives in Muzaffargarh, and Khalil, a resident of Sialkot. Both held Pakistani passports and tourist visas for Thailand.
During the interview, Shahid told officials he had previously lived in Europe for an extended period and intended to go to Thailand with Khalil to marry there, later registering the marriage in Europe.
Khalil confirmed the purpose, stating he first met Shahid in 2017 and they have kept in contact since. He added that Shahid provides him about Rs. 60,000 per month and that they eventually hope to live together in Europe.
The FIA spokesperson said the authorities deemed further scrutiny necessary concerning the declared travel purpose, the nature of the Thailand visit, and a possible onward journey to Europe.
Consequently, immigration officials stopped the two men from boarding their flight and offloaded them at Karachi airport.
The FIA noted that immigration officers review travel documents and stated reasons in line with applicable laws and procedures.
