By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has lodged FIR, exposing a significant passport alleged fraud operation involving the illegal issuance of Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals.
The scheme enabled at least 41 individuals to travel abroad using counterfeit documents, with complicity from certain FIA officials and travel agents.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) No C-333/2025, registered at the FIA Composite Circle Gujranwala, the investigation revealed that Afghan nationals obtained fake Pakistani passports and CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards) to travel to Saudi Arabia via Sialkot International Airport between May 4 and May 29, 2023.
The documents were not found in the official records of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports or the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The FIR disclosed that the inquiry identified several FIA officials allegedly involved in facilitating this illegal activity.
These officials are accused of misusing their authority to allow the unauthorized departure of Afghan nationals on forged documents.
Additionally, a number of travel agents were implicated in orchestrating the fraudulent travel arrangements.
The supervisory officer overseeing immigration operations at Sialkot International Airport during the period in question has also been mentioned in the FIR.
Their role in the oversight and potential involvement in the activities is under investigation.
Recent reports indicate that Saudi authorities have identified over 12,000 Afghan nationals traveling on fake Pakistani passports.
The FIA continues its investigation to determine the full extent of the network and to hold all responsible parties accountable.
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