US Backs $2.4 Billion Investment In Pakistan Airport Security

The United States has backed a $2.4 billion investment proposal by an American firm to deploy advanced security systems at major airports in Pakistan, aiming to strengthen border control and detect criminal threats in real time.

According to reports, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker has expressed support for a proposal by Securiport to install Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems across Pakistani airports.

The proposed system would enable real-time data sharing between airlines and government authorities, while ensuring that Pakistan retains full ownership and control of all passenger data. The system is designed to support biometric-enabled border management and enhance the country’s ability to identify high-risk travelers.

Under the proposal, Securiport would fund the entire upfront investment and recover costs over time through a passenger security surcharge model. The company has also committed to establishing a local subsidiary and training more than 1,000 Pakistani professionals in advanced security technologies.

The systems are expected to be operated by the Federal Investigation Agency and integrated with existing databases, including exit control lists and international monitoring platforms, to enable real time threat detection.

The proposal comes amid ongoing efforts by the Pakistan Airports Authority to implement automated border control systems, including E gates with biometric verification and facial recognition. However, recent procurement processes have faced scrutiny over transparency concerns raised by the Senate Standing Committee on Defence.

Pakistan has been working on modernizing its airport security infrastructure for several years, with earlier attempts to invite international firms through competitive bidding processes. The new US-backed proposal could accelerate implementation, although no final decision has been announced by the government.