Islamabad, Pakistan – A groundbreaking initiative funded by the Government of Denmark is transforming how Pakistan approaches border management, setting new standards for security, technology, and international cooperation.
Under the leadership of Danish Chargé d’Affaires a.i. in Islamabad, Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen, Denmark continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable and rights-based solutions to migration and border security. The “Rights Based Border Management in Silk Route Countries” project—implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in close partnership with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)—is delivering measurable impact across the country.
Following the successful deployment of the Second Line of Border Control concept at Islamabad International Airport, the project has now extended its reach to five additional international airports: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar. These new Second Line Offices provide FIA officers with advanced tools for document verification, identity fraud detection, and risk profiling—key measures in tackling irregular migration and ensuring safer, more efficient border crossings.
But the initiative goes well beyond airport security. It is also enhancing forensic capabilities, upgrading information-sharing systems, and delivering targeted capacity-building programs aimed at creating a modernized, sustainable, and human-rights-compliant border management framework.
A recent high-level visit by Danish Regional Migration Attaché Ms. Kitty Nielsen and government officials from Iraq provided an opportunity to witness the project’s success on the ground. Accompanied by Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen, the delegation held joint reviews with ICMPD and FIA representatives, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared migration challenges.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen emphasized Denmark’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan in building a border system that is “secure, rights-based, and responsive to today’s global migration realities.”
This initiative exemplifies the power of strategic international partnerships in achieving lasting improvements in national security, migration governance, and regional cooperation—hallmarks of Denmark’s approach to global development.
BY: The Times Union
