Sialkot, Pakistan — Progress in action! As part of the “Rights-Based Border Management in Silk Route Countries” project, Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Kingdom of Denmark, paid an official visit to the Second Line Border Control Office at Sialkot International Airport — one of six major international airports in Pakistan benefiting from this Denmark-funded initiative.
Selected in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Sialkot International Airport holds a unique position as Pakistan’s only privately owned international airport, operated and managed by the local business community. With eight airlines conducting around 21 international flights daily, the airport plays a pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity to global markets.
The project, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with FIA, aims to strengthen institutional and operational capacities in border management. Through specialized training and modern infrastructure support, the initiative enhances the ability of border officers to detect forged documents, identify fraud, and conduct advanced risk analysis—ensuring borders that are both secure and respectful of human rights.
Mr. Nielsen commended the strong partnership between Pakistan and Denmark, emphasizing that “cooperation in border management reflects our shared commitment to safe, orderly, and rights-based migration.”
As the project nears completion, its positive legacy continues—embedding sustainable infrastructure, enhanced technical capacity, and improved inter-agency coordination across Pakistan’s major international airports. This collaboration stands as a model of pragmatic diplomacy and development partnership between Pakistan and Denmark, promoting both security and human dignity at the borders.
BY: The Times Union
